What is a bridleway?
A bridleway is a public right of way in England and Wales that permits travel on foot, bicycle or horseback. Unlike footpaths (pedestrians only) or restricted byways (no mechanically propelled vehicles), bridleways are legally available to horse riders as a matter of right -- you do not need the landowner's permission to use one.
In Scotland, the legal framework is different. Scotland operates under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which gives a general right of responsible access to most land and water. Dedicated bridleways are less common, but horses can generally be ridden on most tracks and paths under the responsible access principles.
In Northern Ireland, rights of way are less comprehensively mapped and the legal framework differs from England and Wales.
Using Ordnance Survey maps
The most reliable way to find bridleways is through Ordnance Survey mapping. On OS maps, bridleways are shown as a dashed line in green, distinct from the pink dashes used for footpaths. At 1:25,000 scale (the Explorer series), bridleways are clearly marked and the map gives enough detail to plan routes around field boundaries, gates and tracks.
OS Maps online and app (ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps) gives access to 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps on any device. A subscription costs around £24 per year and is well worth it if you ride regularly. The app allows offline map downloads, which is useful for remote routes without phone signal.
OS paper maps (Explorer 1:25,000) are worth keeping for areas you ride regularly -- they do not need a battery and do not have signal issues.
The definitive map
Every local authority in England and Wales maintains a Definitive Map of public rights of way. This is the legal record of all footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic in the area. If a bridleway is on the Definitive Map, it legally exists regardless of whether it is currently passable.
Definitive maps are available online through most county and unitary authority websites -- search for the name of your county plus "definitive map public rights of way." Many councils also have an interactive mapping tool. The quality and accessibility of these varies significantly by authority.
If you believe a bridleway is being obstructed or is impassable, the relevant authority's Rights of Way officer is the correct contact.
Dedicated apps and tools
Tracklog (tracklog.co.uk) is specifically designed for equestrians and includes a database of bridleways, byways and permitted paths, along with user-contributed route reviews. Particularly useful for finding routes others have ridden and rated.
Komoot is a general outdoor activity app that allows you to filter for horse riding routes. The community-contributed route library is large and growing, and routes include information on surface, terrain and gate types.
Ramblers Route Finder (ramblers.org.uk) is primarily aimed at walkers but includes rights of way data and can help cross-reference bridleway locations.
What3Words is not a route-finding tool but is useful to share specific gate or access points with other riders when arranging group hacks.
Bridleway networks and local groups
Many areas have active bridleway groups that have mapped and in some cases improved local networks. The British Horse Society (bhs.org.uk) maintains a database of access issues and works with local authorities to protect and restore bridleways. The BHS Horse Access Map is a useful supplement to OS mapping.
Local bridleways associations -- often affiliated to the BHS -- organise group rides and have detailed knowledge of local routes that no app or map captures. Joining a local riding club or bridleway group is often the fastest way to find the best routes in an area.
What to do when a bridleway is blocked
Landowners have a legal duty to keep bridleways clear of obstructions. If you encounter a blocked or ploughed-out bridleway, the process is:
- Note the location precisely (Ordnance Survey grid reference or What3Words)
- Note what the obstruction is (locked gate, electric fence, ploughed field with no clear line)
- Report to the local authority Rights of Way team -- most accept online reports
- If the issue is persistent, the BHS Access and Rights of Way team can provide support
Reporting obstructions takes five minutes and directly improves the bridleway network for other riders.