Public rights of way are paths which the public have a legally protected right to use. They provide a healthy, safe and sustainable way to access the countryside and other local services, are used extensively, and generate investment in the Suffolk economy through tourism.

Public rights of way are categorised as follows:

• Footpath (FP) - the public have the right to use footpaths on foot and with a powered mobility aid
• Bridleway (BR) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths, plus they can use a bridleway on horseback, and on a bicycle
• Restricted byway (RB) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths and bridleways, plus they can use a restricted byway with a horse drawn vehicle. All RUPPs were reclassified as restricted byways under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
• Byway open to all traffic (BOAT or BY) - the public have the same rights as with footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways, plus they can use a byway open to all traffic in or on a motor vehicle but the route is mainly used by pedestrians, pedal cyclists and/or horses