Network and Council's responsibilities
The Public Rights of Way (ROW) network and our responsibilities
There is a network of approximately 530 miles of public rights of way on the Isle of Wight.
Types of public rights of way
There are over 1000 public footpaths on the Island measuring circa 330 miles. These are for walking only.
There are about 350 public bridleways on the Island measuring circa. 170 miles. These can be used for walking, horse riding and cycling.
There are about 50 Byways Open to All Traffic on the Island measuring circa. 30 miles. Byways can be used for walking, riding, horse and carriage and motor vehicles (off road / 4x4 conditions only).
All Byways are closed to motor vehicles during the winter months, and the Tennyson Trail (Carisbrooke to Freshwater) is permanently closed to motor vehicles at all times.
In respect of the Tennyson Trail, the Public Rights of Way Team operates a permit system to enable motor vehicle use by Blue Badge holders.
The island benefits from a number of shared use/cycle tracks which are maintained by Island Roads, and permissive paths which may or may not be maintainable by the Rights of Way team.
There are no restricted byways on the Island.
Questions, contacts and helpful links about Rights of Way
If you have any questions, please contact the Rights of Way Team
- email: row@iow.gov.uk
- telephone: 01983821000