Some may be a mere 4ft wide, others so narrowed by over-growth that the real or stated width is not available. The minimum height of a mounted rider is 8ft 6 ins from the ground. Overhanging branches, therefore, need to be cleared to a height of at least 12ft to allow safe free passage. It should also be remembered that public paths are now accepted to be of recreational value in addition to being highways. Being herded along too narrow lanes cannot be considered recreational.
Many paths running along banks of streams, etc. are susceptible to erosion.
Where this occurs the path should be sited far enough away from the bank to avoid loss of width by this means. Alternatively, when erosion occurs, the width of the path should be restored. Where existing bridleways are under the recommended width, the foregoing should not be taken as any reason for down-grading them. Nor should these recommendations be used as any counter to the establishment of riding rights of way by long user. The recommendations are directed at establishing criteria for new or diverted bridleways and in these cases it is stressed that 3m or 10ft is a minimum.