A permissive path, permitted path or concessionary path is not a public right of way. It is a path (which could be for walkers, riders, cyclists, or any combination) whose use by the public is allowed by the landowner, but over which there is no right of access.
Some of the more firmly established permissive footpaths and bridleways are shown respectively as short- and long- dashed orange lines on 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps.
A permissive path is often closed on a specified calendar day each year, and is usually clearly signed as a permissive path. These are precautions to prevent any possible future claim of continuous public access along the path, which could result in it becoming designated as a statutory right of way.
Read more about this topic: Rights Of Way In England And Wales
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