Legally, a public right of way is defined as being a path or way, as distinct from an adopted pavement or road, over which the public have the right to 'pass and re-pass'.
All the borough's public rights of way are recorded on the Definitive Map and accompanying Statements kept and maintained by the council.
The type of way determines exactly what that right is:
- Public Footpaths can only be used for walking
- Public Bridleways may be used by horse riders and cyclists as well as walkers
Other rights of way
There are other 'permissive' ways in the borough which, though not recorded on the definitive map, can still be used by the public.
- Towpaths - paths running alongside canals which are the responsibility of British Waterways (Tel. 01942 405700).
- 'Leisure paths' - paths within leisure areas such as parks, Country Parks and recreation areas. These are normally the responsibility of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.
- Greenways - these are proposed linear walks, usually along railway lines, which are the responsibility of the Council's Open Spaces Team (Tel. 01942 489242).
