A right of way normally fulfils the following four criteria: It must join two public places (e.g. public roads or other rights of way); It follows a more or less defined route; It has been used, openly and peaceably, by the general public, as a matter of right, i.e. not just with the permission of the landowner); It has been used without substantial interruption for at least twenty years.   There are several types of public right of way. Highways, for the purposes of Section 161 (2) of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended), are a public right of way for the passage of vehicles and does not include footpaths, cycle tracks or bridleways. Carriageways are a way over which the public have a right of way by foot, on horseback or with vehicles. Bridleways are a way over which the public has a right of way on foot, on horseback or leading a horse. There is also a right to use a pedal cycle on a bridleway providing the cyclist gives way to pedestrians and riders. Footpaths are a wayover which the public have a right of way on foot only.   Private rights of way A private right of way enables a landowner to access his own land via someone else’s and is a way where public access is restricted.   Permissive paths A ‘permissive path’ is a path or track that is not a public right of way. The public has no statutory right to use them and they are not covered by rights of way legislation. Use may be restricted to daylight hours, they may be moved or closed at certain times, and dogs banned from them.