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Advice on bridleways and other access

All the advice on this page is for access and rights of way in England and Wales. The law in Scotland and Northern Ireland is very different so for advice on access in those countries, see Northern Ireland or Scotland.

  • Last reviewed: 3rd July 2025

Find what you are looking for

  1. Advice notes are grouped into sections. Councils or contractors are most likely to find help under Structures and surfaces or Changes to bridleways and byways.
  2. Other publications include research studies commissioned by the BHS or others.
  3. Lobbying and political activity will help with influencing change for greater inclusion of equestrians (see also Including horses under Structures and surfaces in 1.).

1. Advice notes

Advice notes are reviewed at least once a year. If you cannot find the topic you need, email access@bhs.org.uk or call 02476 840515.

What you may find on bridleways and byways

Other pages on potential hazards

Riding out

 

Researching and recording bridleways and byways

Find out more about unrecorded rights of way on Project 2026.

Changes to bridleways and byways
Structures and surfaces

Most of the advice here is aimed at councils and others responsible for providing equestrian access.

There are no 'BHS approved' structures or surfaces. Approval is always site-dependent. The Society's advice here is generalised, based on optimum for most equestrians and horses. Please consult the Society for specific circumstances. Horses and their riders or drivers vary considerably in size, agility, character and preference, however, the Society's advice aims to be inclusive, even if individuals have different opinions.

Surfaces

Structures

Including horses

Other factors affecting horses

2. Other publications

BHS Equestrian Access Strategy

Our Equestrian Access Strategy aims to enable every horse rider and carriage driver to be able to ride or drive from their stable onto a safe network of off-road paths, and until that time, to be able to access those safely via the road network.

Equestrian Access Strategy | 2025

Memorandum of Understanding

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is an agreement between two or more parties that has been formally documented. An MOU is not necessarily a legally binding document. Signing of the MOU document signifies the intention and willingness of the involved parties to work collaboratively, towards the mutually identified goals and expectations within the MOU. 

 

MOU between BHS and Sustrans | August 2024

Active Travel Guidance

The Impact of Active Travel Plans and LTN 1/20 on Equestrians | May 2025

The Impact of Active Travel Plans and LTN 1/20 on Equestrians - A Summary of the Issues | May 2025

Historical Research Guidance

Historical Evidence Guidance | June 2025

Project 2026 Guidance Note - DMMO Applications affecting BHS Approved Premises | May 2025

Research and Reports

Some of these reports are now some years old but their content remains relevant and pertinent.

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference - Access & Rights of Way Advisory Committee

3. Lobbying and political activity

The Society represents equestrians nationally about public rights of way and access. This means engagement with government through stakeholder groups and bodies such as Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, Forestry England and highways agencies. It includes lobbying ministers where appropriate and asking for questions in Parliament.

Letters to Ministers & Stakeholders

Letters to Ministers

Letters to Stakeholders

Responses

APPG Evidence

Template letters for you to send to your MP

There are currently no template letters. 

Be sure about bridleways

Learn more about bridleways and byways on our training days

You can help with our important work to defend bridleways and byways and to ensure equestrians are considered as vulnerable road users and included in all provisions for safe access, on and off road. Find out more about your rights and how to help by joining one of our virtual training days. All you need are a few hours and an internet connection.

Access and rights of way training
Two horses and riders on narrow road with upland hillside behind in gentle sunshine

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