Roads and Paths

[Slimie]

Looking at a 1:25 000 OS map of the area around here I noticed a load of what the legend calls ""Other road, drive or track, fenced and unfenced" looking like this:
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(but closer together!!)

Can I ride down them?

-Simon

[boboneleg]

how old is your map ? nowadays they are usually marked as ORPA (other road with public access). This doesn't mean that you have a RIGHT to use them (but you may have) but if you're on your own (or in a small group) then give it a go and see how you get on.

if someone challenges you show them the map and see what response you get.

I always find that most people won't give you any hassle as long as you're polite and take it easy.

cheers, Bob.

[Slimie]

how old is your map ? nowadays they are usually marked as ORPA (other road with public access). This doesn't mean that you have a RIGHT to use them (but you may have) but if you're on your own (or in a small group) then give it a go and see how you get on.

if someone challenges you show them the map and see what response you get.

I always find that most people won't give you any hassle as long as you're polite and take it easy.

cheers, Bob.

Cheers, Bob. I have no idea how old the map might be but I'm sure it's only a couple of years old. Guess I'm going to have to invest in a new one.

Polite's not going to work, I'm a MOTORCYCLIST and eat small animals for breakfast

Cheers
-Simon

[Jenna]

if your map is an OS one then the publication date will be in the bottom of the right hand margin, look for 'compilation and revision' should have the datum date (normally 1936)ish, then revisions and what was done.

the OS website will tell you if you have the latest revision by checking the map sheet number on the database.

[Slimie]

if your map is an OS one then the publication date will be in the bottom of the right hand margin, look for 'compilation and revision' should have the datum date (normally 1936)ish, then revisions and what was done.

the OS website will tell you if you have the latest revision by checking the map sheet number on the database.

Is there anything you don't know, Jenna?!! Thank doG you found this place

And thanks!

-Simon

[Slimie]

Hmmm...not as old as I'd thought, "Revised in 1997" and "Revised for selected change 2001"

Still old enough to be wrong, I s'pose?

Cheers
-Simon

[icenian]

Nothing on an OS map tells you if it's a right of way. Not even "public right of way" markings. And even if it is a right of way, that doesn't mean the ramblers/farmers you meet will agree.

It's much simpler in Scotland. Nobody has a clue, but (and maybe for that reason) you seem to encounter fewer opinionated w*nkers in bobble hats. (Not that I ride a bike off road, but they'll disapprove of anything: bicycles; dogs; not climbing into gorse bushes to get out of their way; smiling; etc...)

I recall an old greybeard suggesting the following (slightly reworded) strategy:

If you can, do; if you can't, nip back home for chainsaw/bolt croppers/dynamite/uzi 9mm or whatever you need to clear the path

[Jenna]

yep in real terms the only 'correct' rights of way maps are held by the County Councils of the area your in, they hold what is called a definitive map and its this map that all 'legal' status is taken from....

however... the definitive map is constantly being challenged by every one so its not uncommon that you find errors eg. we have a bridleway in the village that your not allowed to ride horses down as the residents on what is a now a private road objected.. (f~'king townies)..

Also the term 'path' or 'road' has no legal status of ownership in map terms as Icenian says so what may be shown on a map as a track may well turn out to be somebodies drive and therefor be entirely private property!

my advice is always make an appointment to view the definitive map, copy its legal routs to a current OS map and then regularly check back with the definitive map dept (normally the Highways or Leisure services) for updates.

there was an online database of all the 'free to view' maps ( most councils now charge!) see if i can find it again.