Footpaths

Rights of Way (Public Paths)

You can walk on all public rights of way. Some are also open to horse riders, cyclists or motorists.

Your Rights

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 gave people more freedom to walk on open countryside. This applies to open access land, which has been opened to the public for walking.

On a Right of Way You Can:

Walk dogs on a lead or under close control

Take a pushchair or wheelchair, although this can be difficult if the surface is uneven or muddy

Take a short route around an illegal obstruction (e.g. fences or crops) or move it to get past.

Walking

Enjoy free exercise in the fresh air by exploring Nottinghamshire on foot.

There are acres of green spaces for walking in the county including:

Country Parks
Nature Reserves and Green Spaces
Open Access Land
Find a walk: search routes across the county

Walking with Dogs

You are welcome to take your dog on any right of way route but they must be on a lead or under close control. It is an offence to allow a dog to run free in a field where there are sheep. A farmer has the right to shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. You must clean up after your dog or you may be liable for a fine.

Report Problems

Many paths go across or around fields that contain crops or have been ploughed and may be uneven or muddy. Public paths should be clear from obstruction and fences, gates and stiles must be in good condition, easy to open and unlocked.
Report a right of way problem

Guided Walks

Natural England – permissive access routes for Walking, cycling and horse riding
Ramblers Association – national walking charity with Nottinghamshire routes
Notts Guided Walks – a monthly guide for organised walks in the countryside
Walk it – an urban walking route planner.
Nottingham Footpaths Preservation Society – Programme of medium-length walks, mainly around Nottinghamshire, on every other Tuesday

Footpath Obstruction

Nottinghamshire County Council are asking local residents to inform them at 0115 977 4802 if they are aware of any public footpaths on arable land in the parish that are being obstructed by crops.

Senior Rights of Way Officer for the joint partnership, Jane Baines, is anxious to ensure that obstructions do not take place and says they will write to any farmers who do not heed requests to rectify the position where blockage are allowed to occur. The County say that where obstructions do occur they will ask the farmers to remove them or the County Council will carry out the work and charge the farmer for it.