The Trail Users Code

Share the space

Wales is criss-crossed by a network of paths, tracks and unpaved roads. These trails will take you from your front door to the most remote parts of the countryside and are used regularly for work, rest and play. 

Whether you’re travelling by wheel, heel or hoof - love being outside, and remember:

1. Share the space, drop your pace – respect other trail users especially those who are less able.

2. Wheel, heel, hoof – bikes and motor vehicles should give way to walkers and everyone should pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles wide and slow, making their presence known. 

3. Stay safe - be seen, be heard, be aware.

4. Follow defined routes, way-markers or maps.

5. Don’t cause erosion or damage by leaving the trail.

6. Enjoy nature but be careful not to disturb wildlife.

7. Leave gates as you find them and leave no trace of your visit.

8. Keep dogs under effective control and take the safest route around farm animals, especially if they are with young animals.

9. Be mindful of man-made hazards and machinery – obey warning signs at all times.  

10. Organisers should notify landowners of large group activities or events.

Always know where you can go

The following symbols show the kind of access allowed on paths, tracks and unpaved roads.

Some paths may have local restrictions or sections that welcome other users.

A legal right or permissions does not necessarily mean the trail will be in a suitable condition for all users.

Public Footpath

Open to walkers and users of mobility equipment.

Waymarked with a yellow arrow.

Public Bridleway

Open to walkers, users of mobility equipment, cyclists and horse-riders.

Waymarked with a blue arrow.

Restricted Byway

Open to walkers, users of mobility equipment, cyclists, horse-riders and horse-drawn vehicles.

Waymarked with a purple arrow.

Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT)

Open to walkers, users of mobility equipment, cyclists, horse-riders, horse-drawn vehicles and motor vehicles.

Waymarked with a red arrow.

National Trail

Open to walkers and users of mobility equipment. Some sections are also suitable for cyclists and horse-riders.

Waymarked with an acorn.

Wales Coast Path

Open to walkers and users of mobility equipment. Some sections are also suitable for cyclists and horse-riders.

Waymarked with a white shell.

Open Access Land

Open to walkers and users of mobility equipment.

Waymarked with a brown figure.

Open Access Land is mountain, moorland, heathland, down land and registered common land (mapped under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) available for use without having to stay on paths.

End of Open Access Land

Marks the end of area-wide access, although other access rights may exist - for example, public rights of way.

Waymarked with a crossed out brown figure.

Permissive Path

Follow advice on local signs as landowners voluntarily provide access to these paths and choose who can use them. Some open access areas are also made available in the same way.

To report an environmental incident, call us on 0300 065 3000 (24 hours)