Our public rights of way
Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates
The outdoors is a great place for exercise and has many benefits for health and wellbeing, especially at a time when we all face social isolation and anxiety.
However, we all need to follow government rules and advice to keep everyone safe.
Be aware that some people live close to public rights of way. You should consider their need for social distancing, treat each other with respect and be aware that some of these people may be in self-isolation because of illness or other vulnerabilities.
You can continue to enjoy the public rights of way network responsibly by following the social distancing guidance on GOV.UK.
About our rights of way
Medway has nearly 190 miles (313km) of public rights of way.
Want to enjoy our local rights of way? Then join the Medway Ramblers on their walks.
View our upcoming programmes:
Footpaths
Footpaths are for pedestrian use only, wheelchair users and those pushing prams or pushchairs. Dogs can be walked on a lead or under close control.
Bicycles are not allowed but some landowners allow cycling on some routes. Note, public footpaths are not the same as footways.
Footways are paths that are adjacent to roads and are commonly called pavements.
Download a list of footpaths in Medway
Bridleways (bridle paths)
Bridleways are for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. You can lead horses, donkeys or mules and, sometimes drive other animals along bridleways.
Cyclists can use bridleways (Countryside Act 1968) and must give way to walkers and horse riders.
The Act does not place a duty on highway authorities to maintain bridleways for cyclists, so bridleways may not be suitable for cycling, even on mountain bikes.
Download a list of bridleways in Medway
Strood Community Trail
This is a 5-mile trail around Strood.
View and download the trail on Kent Downs
Restricted byways
Restricted byways are for all traffic, except mechanically propelled vehicles.
Download a list of restricted byways
Byway open to all traffic
These are for all traffic, including mechanically propelled vehicles, although essentially it is used as a footpath.
Download a list of byways open to all traffic
Report a problem with a public right of way
Report a problem with a road, pavement or public right of way