In a word yes!

Whilst the terminology used, public rights of way and open access/right of access, may be similar how they operate is very different.

Public Rights of Way #

In England and Wales rights of way are recorded on definitive maps held by the local highway authority, signposted and maintained by the local authority and landowners. Most are also highlighted on Ordnance Survey Landranger and Explorer maps by their user category including footpath, bridleway, restricted byways and byway open to all traffic.

In Scotland, there is no requirement for rights of way to be recorded, signposted or maintained, but local authorities have the powers to do so and ScotWays records those we know about and have signposted many. Rights of way are not highlighted on Ordnance Survey maps in Scotland.

Open Access/Right of Access #

In England and Wales, open access land forms a very small area including mountains, moors, heaths, downs, common land and some land around the England Coast Path. It is restricted to walkers and areas of access land are highlighted on Ordnance Survey Landranger and Explorer maps.

In Scotland, the right of responsible access extends to the majority of land and inland water and is available for all non-motorised users. It is not highlighted on Ordnance Survey maps as it covers pretty much the whole country!

There is a Right to Roam campaign to improve access rights in England through the creation of a general right of access along similar lines to the access rights that exist in Scotland.

Permissive Paths and Access Areas #

In England and Wales in some areas where there is no right of access, a landmanager may allow permissive access. This may be along a linear route or to an area and use of these areas may have a variety of conditions attached.

In Scotland, the right of responsible access to the majority of land and inland water means that permissive types of access don’t exist.

Core Paths #

In Scotland, there is a network of core paths created by local authorities.

Other access #

Across Scotland, England and Wales there is a network of long-distance routes (Scotlands Great Trails), regional paths, national cycle networks and other off-road routes. Many of these are highlighted on Ordnance Survey maps.

Find out about outdoor access laws in Scotland, England and Wales or Northern Ireland.