Gnosall is surrounded by cracking countryside, and the quickest way to enjoy it is by using the local network of public footpaths and bridleways. If you are ever unsure what you can use (or what you are allowed to do on it), it helps to know the basics and where the official info lives.

Footpath or bridleway - what is the difference?

• Public footpaths are for walking.
• Public bridleways are for walking, horse riding, and cycling.

If you want the county council's plain-English guide (including what the different rights of way are and who looks after them), this is the best starting point: Staffordshire County Council - Footpaths and bridleways.

Good habits on local paths (and what to expect)

• Stick to the line of the path - especially across fields.
• Take litter home, and bag dog waste.
• Expect stiles, gates, and muddy sections - especially after wet weather.
• Be courteous - cyclists and horse riders may need a bit more room on bridleways.

Landowners often have duties around keeping rights of way usable, and the highway authority (in Staffordshire, that is the County Council) deals with many problems on public rights of way. The County Council page above also explains who is responsible for what.

Reporting a problem (blocked path, broken stile, overgrowth)

If a path is blocked, hard to follow, or a gate/stile is unsafe, start with the County Council rights of way information here: Staffordshire County Council - Footpaths and bridleways. That page signposts you to the right place to report issues and get them logged properly.

If the issue is more about the wider area (for example, a planning-related change affecting access), it can also be worth checking with your local councils:

• Gnosall Parish Council
• Stafford Borough Council

Want to check a route before you set off?

Start with the County Council rights of way pages for the official overview and links to mapping and reporting. If you are planning a ride, double-check you are using bridleways (or other routes that allow cycling) rather than footpaths.

Quick checklist before you go

1. Pick a route that matches how you are travelling - on foot, bike, or horse.
2. Allow for slow going if it has rained.
3. If you find a blockage or damage, report it so it can be sorted for everyone.