Public rights of way

Rights of way in Harrow include footpaths, bridleways and byways. Most of these run through the borough's countryside, which comprises green belt, open spaces and parks. In the entire borough there are:

68 footpaths totalling about 22.5km;

7 bridleways totalling about 4.1 km; and

8 byways totalling about 1.5km

making a total length of just over 28km of rights of way.

Footpaths are public rights of way for those on foot only Byways open to all traffic are a type of way shown on the definitive map. If you wish to see the map you can arrange this by calling the highways network management.

Though motor vehicles are entitled to use them, the predominant use of byways is normally by walkers, horse-riders and cyclists. Bridleways are a public right of way for walkers, those leading a horse horse-riders, and invalid carriages. Although not a right, cycling is also permitted along bridleways as long as cyclists give way to walkers and horse-riders.

Maintenance
The council shares responsibility with landowners for maintaining the rights of way. To report a fault with stiles, gates or overgrown vegetation on the footpaths, byways or bridleway in the borough, call the highways network management. Please make sure you know the precise location of the problem before calling.

Rights of way in Harrow are surveyed annually. Following this survey overgrown vegetation is cut back and any necessary repairs are undertaken.

Enforcement
Harrow takes misuse of rights of way seriously. We will use our statutory powers to address reported misuse.

The council adopted a rights of way improvement plan (ROWIP) in October 2007. To see the plan, click Rights of Way Improvement Plan.