I don't understand the 'rules' of the countryside.....please help me!

[RuralMuppet]

have namechanged for this as I don't want it linked to other posts! I know this might sound a bit bizarre but I lived abroad for a large part of my life and when I returned, I have only ever lived in London. I met dp a few years ago - and he moved in to my apartment. But I did commit to moving to a larger place, in a more rural location near his dcs (mine have left home).

So in a rather non commital way, I looked at properties last year. Dp was hugely invested and I sort of left him to it as he knows the whole area and I know v little. We found a beautiful cottage in the summer, which looked glorious and we completed and moved in in November.

well OMG. The mud. THE MUD. I have never seen so much mud. November was v different to the summer. The house was freezing. Everything was freezing. It rained all the time. I had visions of beautiful country walks but they were just nightmarish. I realised it was far harder to make friends here and dp's friends were all divorced men who had no partners for me to even say hello to! The commute was awful, everything just felt dreadful and I cried and desperately wanted to leave.

And then lockdown happened and suddenly I had a bit more time to spend in the area. And I bought neoprene lined wellies which I live in, I have overalls for spending time in the fields. But there is a lot I don't understand. I bought an OS map with all the rights of way/paths etc. and I do long runs and walks now but I don't understand a few things

1.Sometimes on the map, there's a path. And when I get to the path, there's a sign (that says path or whatever) and I can follow that sign (even if it's across a field).

1. Sometimes on the map, there's a path. And when I get to the path, there's no sign and it's across a farmer's field - do I assume that I shouldn't use this path? Does the path not exist or does it mean the farmer doesn't want to acknowledge the path?
2. Near me there are paths that are labelled (by sign) as 'bridleways'. Now I know that means the horses use them but can I run on them too?
3. In a farmer's field, if there is a signposted path that is across his field, I would assume the farmer would be happier going around the outside except I often see he's kept a narrow path clear down the middle - should i use that rather than going round the outside?

sorry if these seem ridiculously obvious but if you haven't lived here before, it's really confusing!

also, if I run in the road, I run facing the traffic (no pavements) - is that ok? I see a few people doing it but wasn't sure if it was totally acceptable

thank you :)

sorry, when I say path, I'm using the term on this OS map (it's called explorer 25k) and it's called 'footpath' and is like a green dotty line (so doesn't actually mean it's a path in real life, could just be mud and normally is round here )

Can't help with all of them, but if there is no path left through crops then always walk around the edge. A mown path suggests the farmer is happy for you to use the most direct route.
Yes you should run towards the oncoming traffic so you can see them. That is the recommendation in the Highway Code. (Might be worth buying a copy for the bridleway information I'm not sure where my copy is in a box somewhere atm, otherwise I'd check for you 🙂)
Hope someone else comes along to answer more questions!

I think you sound very sensible.
If there is a clear path through the middle of the field and you won’t disturb livestock or crops use it. If there isn’t go round the edge.
Running on bridleways is fine but watch out for the horses as you def don’t want to get run over! Same for running on roads.
Are there any groups you could join? Offering to do church flowers? Host a stand at the village fair etc. Getting to know people locally will help loads. X

Footpaths are just for people on foot. A bridle way can include horses and cyclists.

I don't think a farmer would be angry if you were unsure about a path and went round the edge to protect his crop.

Not a country girl, but I'm pretty sure you can run on bridle paths. I'd slow down at blind corners so as not to startle any unseen approaching horses, or cyclists.

Paths are paths, whether signposted or not. Yes, better to stick to the path rather than going round the outside. Yes, you can run in bridleways, just look out for horses 🐎

And yes, definitely run facing the traffic and be very careful, especially in low light. Rural roads can be really dangerous for pedestrians.

Glad you're enjoying it a bit more now. I miss the countryside!

Yes you should run on the side of road against traffic unless going around a right hand bend -- you want to be able to see oncoming traffic on your side easily at all times which means you face the traffic as much as possible.

Look up the countryside code, and rules that people on Duke of Edinburgh have to follow for expeditions. Covers most of your questions.

Footpaths on a recent OS map not found on ground are possibly illegally blocked. There are some of those around here.

thank you, that's a relief! I thought I might be doing it all wrong!

I haven't actually met anyone - we are v rural - but there are a few people who I see out running when I'm running and we've started saying hello. One couple who always run together stop and say hello if we're on the start or end of the run (they live in one of the cottages round the corner I think). And someone who rides their horses when I run also says hello now. I know it may sound a bit pathetic but even these small acts actually mean quite a lot and I love getting out and about now.

there are only 500 people in the village but it does have 2 pubs! I think it will be easier once everything opens again. I have also told dp I think we should have a party, when people are a bit less scared of covid, and invite the neighbours around for a drink and then at least we will know who they are :)

thanks, I will look up these codes. I didn't know they existed so that's hugely helpful

As others have said, bridlepaths are for everyone. But do make sure any horses and riders know you’re there (just call hello) and walk rather than run past them

Strictly speaking you can always walk the line of the path - but if it’s not been cleared, then go round the edge of the field. Although that is naughty of the farmer. If there’s a path clear down the middle, happy days. I’ve been known to use tractor tyre tracks to cross crop fields without treading on the crop where the path isn’t obvious - if the farmer doesn’t want people doing that they should clear the proper path...

If it’s a livestock field, I’d generally divert off the path to avoid going through the middle of the animals if necessary.

Running facing the oncoming traffic is safest apart from on a bend - go into the outside of the bend as it gives drivers the maximum time to see you.

Inviting the neighbours for drinks sounds like a great idea.

And yes to everything @lljkk said.

what others said.
plus wear very bright clothing on runs and flashlights (the kinds you get for cycles) in liw light.

If a footpath is on the survey map it is a right of way, even without a sign. Farmers can be a bit naughty sometimes and attempt to make it look like the path no longer exists!!!

and watch out for local hunts. you want to avoid those when out walking or running.

Is there a WI to join when groups can meet again, they are usually very friendly?
If there's no sign and no footpath mown across a field the farmer is trying to discourage people from using it. You can still use it but make sure you leave gates as you find them and don't leave any dog mess (thats why they take the signs down where I live).
I would definitely run facing the traffic and wear something very bright coloured.
If you're not sure about a path and you see the farmer just be very polite and ask, most are fine. You can use bridleways and cyclists and horse riders should give way to you.

thanks for all your tips

I have just ordered myself some flashing arm bands for running. It's lovely now but I can see when the light changes how it would be quite challenging. I noticed one of the people who runs also runs in a neon yellow top (even in summer) so maybe I should get a bright top too. They are fast the roads here, you're right, and now the vegetation on the side of the roads is quite high so it's a good idea to make myself as visible as possible

Look and see if you have a parish council (note this is for the civil parish, not church related). Go to the meetings - you are entitled as a resident to do this. You will find out so much about what is happening in the community. Some PC’s can be a bit ‘narrow in their attitudes’ so are perhaps ready for an overhaul 🤣 (I was chair of our PC for a number of years, so I speak from experience).
The best way to become involved in the village is via the pub. See if the have quiz nights or similar (when they re open). It’s a good way to make friends.
Best of luck. I love village life.

Go round the outside of a field. unless there's a visible path If you climb over a gate, climb near the hinges. If you open a gate, close it.
If you have a dog, keep it on a lead if there are animals around.

Wear hi viz when running.

Give horses and cyclists plenty of room.

Don't expect to be treated like one of them until at least 3 generations of your family have lived there.

Say Hello or Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening when you see someone.

Walking on rural roads: wear a high viz vest always, even in bright daylight. Don’t automatically walk facing oncoming traffic if the road is narrow and bends tightly to the right. I got hit by a car last year because she was going too fast and didn’t see me in time. I was actually walking my son to school and she was a school mum so it was especially unpleasant. Son wasn’t hurt, just me.

We’re quite rural. Nearest neighbour about half a mile away and town about 5 miles. Definitely have a garden party and invite the locals. Less worry about Covid if you’re outdoors.

We held a party on NY day a few years ago and invited a few neighbours and friends and since then it’s grown and become a highly anticipated annual event now.
(Nobody over 30 around here bothers about partying on NY eve)

We have made a lot of great friends now. One of the farmers regularly drops off wood for our Woodburning stove. We’ve easily got 2 years worth of wood stacked up. Just needs splitting. Another one drove his tractor to us when we got snowed in to clear the road and check we were alright.

Sorry to hear about your accident. How scary. So glad you and your son were ok!

Thanks everyone, your tips have been hugely useful and I'm taking them all on board!

You should get to the pub as soon as it's open and just chat to people. Is there a village shop?

A lot of counties have excellent up to date public rights of way (PROW) maps online - these cover footpaths and bridleways. A lot of bridleways hardly ever see a horse (round here at least) but the well-used ones have horse shit and prints from horse hooves on them so it's pretty obvious. You can load the PROW map onto your phone, so that you have the bit you need - it can be easier than taking a map.

Being polite to farmers always goes down well. Most of them are fine - esp once they get to know you and know you're good with gates, stock, etc.

I live rural. A lot of signs have disappeared of late due to covoidiots decending on the countryside with little respect. Your best bet is subscribe to osmaps its about £23 for a year. I walk a lot so use it. Bridleways are for foot, bikes and horses. People on foot always have right of way. Paths very often go diagonally through fields. Usually if the walk is well used you will see the route if not follow your map. I never use the edges of fields as if its not a designated path it pees the farmer off and its tresspass. As for the local hunt they take place march to October. No one round here likes the hunt fraternity because they trespass. Judging by some responses some obviously don't live in the country side as you won't meet friendlier people. If I go into town which is rare I'm shocked how rude people are. Most the farmers are friendly once you get to know them. If live stock like cows are loose in fields I re-route as they have calves now and will give chase. The countryside is not for everyone but personally I could not live in a town I couldn't think of anything worse.

No no no don’t go round the edge of a field, follow the path. Always. And that’s from a landowner and a walker. You should never trek off into a part of the field without a path. There’s a right of way across the land, stick to it. If the farmer has mown a little path, even better.

You can walk/run on a bridleway.

You sound like a really thoughtful person. Have a look on local Facebook pages for walking/running routes.

If you come across horses dont hide in the hedge to get out of the way, the horses wont see you until they are close and then it can scare them. Much better to just shout out a hello or 'can I pass' and the rider will try to move over if they can or trot to wider point if possible.

1.If there is a sign pointing to the field, the footpath should go across it normally.

1. Generally if there's no public right if way sign I wouldn't go through the field unless there is a path mown away through it. Try looking for the sign on the ground though, they can rot or fall over sometimes.
2. Bridleways can be used for horseriding, cycling, running and walking.

4.Use the path down the middle of there is one, there is a possibility of bird scarers, traps ect around the outside. Only go around the edge if there is no path through the middle. Farmers should leave a path through the crop if there is a public right of way, however some don't. Never go straight through the farmer's crops, even if there is right of way-they normally have pesticides ect on them.