Rights of Way - Definitions
Public rights of way are recorded on the legal record, known as the Definitive Map and Statement (DM&S) of Public Rights of Way:
- the Definitive Map shows the location and status of public rights of way.
- the Definitive Statement gives a description of the public rights of way, including any limitations or conditions.
Public Rights of Way are categorised into four types:
- Footpath (FP): a public right of way for walkers only. Footpaths are waymarked with yellow arrows.
- Bridleway (BR): a public right of way on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle. Bridleways are waymarked with blue arrows.
- Restricted Byway (formerly Road Used as Public Path) (RUPP): A public right of way with rights to walk, ride a horse or bicycle and use a horse drawn carriage. Restricted Byways are waymarked with "Victoria plum" coloured arrows.
- Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT): a public right of way for vehicles and all other kinds of user, but which because of its nature is used mainly as a footpath or bridleway. Byways open to all traffic are waymarked with red arrows.
Copies of the DM&S are held at local council offices and at a number of libraries. The libraries at Faringdon and Wantage are the closest to Woolstone. Within the DM&S, each parish is accorded a number, and the rights of way within the parish are designated numbers in sequence. The parish of Woolstone is allocated as number 414. The register acknowledges the existence of 18 separate rights of way within the parish. The formal reference to a right of way includes both the parish number or name and the index number of the individual right of way, thus: 414/16 or Woolstone BR16. This form of labelling provides a unique reference within the county of Oxfordshire.
