Reading the riverbank before you set off

Riverside walks are some of Britain's best. They follow old towpaths, field edges, flood meadows and wooded gorges. But the signs can be faded, missing or confusing. A little knowledge of waymarks and access symbols means you can enjoy the water without accidentally crossing into private land, disturbing fishing or damaging a sensitive bank.

Waymark colours and what they mean

In England and Wales, public rights of way are usually waymarked with coloured arrows or discs. The colour tells you who may use the route and what to expect.

• Yellow — public footpath. On foot only. Expect stiles, gates, narrow trodden lines and muddy riverside sections.
• Blue — public bridleway. Walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Often wider and better drained than a footpath.
• Purple — restricted byway. Walkers, horses, cyclists and non-motorised vehicles such as carriages. No motor vehicles.
• Red — byway open to all traffic. Rare, and legally open to motor vehicles, though many are better suited to walkers.

You may also see the acorn symbol of a National Trail, or a local authority disc with a coloured arrow. In Scotland, waymarking is less standardised. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives responsible access to most land and inland water, so you will often see core path signs rather than the English colour system.

Permissive paths and the small print

A permissive path is not a public right of way. The landowner has allowed access, often to create a riverside loop or link two public paths. It can be closed, diverted or withdrawn. Look for words such as permissive path, concessionary path, permission to pass or no public right of way. Some permissive paths close for one day a year to prevent them becoming public by long use. Others ask for dogs on leads or ban cycling. Respect the terms: the permission is a gift, not a right.

Riverside access rules: banks, towpaths and water

In England and Wales, there is no general right to walk the bank of every river. You may use public footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, open access land and permissive paths. Towpaths beside canals and some navigable rivers are usually open to walkers, but cycling may need a permit and anglers have priority in some spots. Fishing rights belong to the riparian owner or club, so do not fish unless you have permission. In Scotland, responsible access generally includes riverbanks and inland water for non-motorised recreation, but keep away from gardens, crops, livestock and eroding banks.

Signs, arrows and forks in the path

Riverside signs can mislead because floods move posts and erosion changes routes. Look for waymark discs on gates, stiles and posts. An arrow shows the direction of travel. If it points across a field, follow it even if the path looks faint. If a sign says diversion, follow the new line. If a gate is locked or a bridge is broken, do not climb fences or force a way. Check the definitive map held by the local highway authority, or a current large-scale map. On detailed maps, public footpaths are usually green dashes, bridleways orange dashes and byways green crosses. An old path on a faded sign may no longer be public.

Practical etiquette for a confident walk

• Leave gates as you find them — open if open, closed if closed.
• Use stiles and kissing gates; never damage fences, hedges or banks.
• Keep dogs under control near livestock and nesting birds. Use a lead around cattle and between March and July.
• Give way to anglers, horse riders and cyclists. Step to the inside of the path and keep noise low.
• Avoid eroded banks, slippery weirs and tidal stretches. Rivers rise quickly after rain.
• If a sign is missing or unclear, turn back or take the public route. A short detour protects access for everyone.

Riverside walking is a quiet joy. Learn the colours, read the notices and respect the permissions. You will then walk confidently, legally and with muddy boots — exactly as it should be.