Public right of way query

Ozzuk

I would never buy a property with a public RoW unless I was certain I could contain it. That is personal preference, but I have dogs, I don't want to worry about them being loose, or other peoples dogs, or the increased insurance and security risk.

These things can be left for years untouched and then suddenly start getting used again - a few years ago my partner and I were involved in walking all the local RoWs and reporting where access was blocked/issues occurring for the local council to resolve. A lot of landowners were extremely unhappy, they conveniently forget they bought the property with the RoW.

Davesnave

I like the sign in the woods near me at the beginning of the track through. It reads something like:
"Be sure to stay on the waymarked path, especially if you hear shooting. Your safety is then assured."

Rosemary7391

Ozzuk wrote: »

I would never buy a property with a public RoW unless I was certain I could contain it. That is personal preference, but I have dogs, I don't want to worry about them being loose, or other peoples dogs, or the increased insurance and security risk.

These things can be left for years untouched and then suddenly start getting used again - a few years ago my partner and I were involved in walking all the local RoWs and reporting where access was blocked/issues occurring for the local council to resolve. A lot of landowners were extremely unhappy, they conveniently forget they bought the property with the RoW.

It sounds like the OP is buying a place that has several fields attached though - so it's likely they have a garden they can keep fenced off etc. for that purpose. I don't think I've ever been on a RoW that actually goes through someone's garden - occasional farmyards, and fenced paths between gardens, but mostly around fields etc.

ellectrastar

Ozzuk wrote: »

I would never buy a property with a public RoW unless I was certain I could contain it. That is personal preference, but I have dogs, I don't want to worry about them being loose, or other peoples dogs, or the increased insurance and security risk.

These things can be left for years untouched and then suddenly start getting used again - a few years ago my partner and I were involved in walking all the local RoWs and reporting where access was blocked/issues occurring for the local council to resolve. A lot of landowners were extremely unhappy, they conveniently forget they bought the property with the RoW.

Rosemary7391 is right, there is quite a bit of land and the footpath does not run near the home, however as you say if I went ahead I think I would seriously consider fencing off the areas. One way runs along the side of fields, and halfway along is allegedly impassable (although I guess no one has complained as it hasn't been cleared), so that would be easy enough to do. The other way goes diagonally through a field so a bit more of a pain and a bit of an inconvenience if I want to put anything in it (although I thought of an orchard between the far side and the property boundary). But at least it would mean no one would be wandering, and any dogs should (hopefully) be kept contained as well.



Right too that we'd have to bear in mind the popularity of it may increase. It is a named trail, but rather a large route, so I would imagine it would be rambler groups using it instead of locals. But who knows?



I like the sign too Dave, although it brings to mind the warning about bulls in fields that don't actually exist (the bulls that is, not the fields!)

Davesnave

ellectrastar wrote: »

I like the sign too Dave, although it brings to mind the warning about bulls in fields that don't actually exist (the bulls that is, not the fields!)

There is a genuine risk; not from shotgun pellets, but missed clays that fall when there's a shooting tournament or tuition going on. However, off the path isn't a place that many people would choose for a ramble; more like an assault course. I have permission to fish there, but I know how far the clays typically travel and stay out of the danger area if I hear shooting.


If it's not a very populated area, the risk of people wandering isn't great, even across a field, especially if the waymarkers on each side are clearly visible or the route is walked enough for the trail to be clear. The longer trails out in the country will attract 'serious' ramblers and maybe one or two locals, who can be handy, keeping an eye on things.The presence of people is not necessarily a bad thing.