Public Rights of Way

There are 272km of Public Rights of Way on the island.

Public Rights of Way are public footpaths, where the public have a right to pass on foot only.

Bicycles should not be taken onto public footpaths.

Walkers are allowed to take dogs on Public Rights of Way, but they must be kept under close control - either on a lead or walking to heel.

Dogs must not be allowed to run free accross fields or on land adjacent to the footpath.

What are the long distance Footpaths on the Isle of Man?

The Millenium Way - 26 Miles - Sky Hill to Castle Rushen
Bayr Ny Skeddan - 14 Miles - between Castletown and Peel
Raad ny Foillan - 96 Miles - coastal footpath waymarked with a blue sign showing a gull in flight
The Heritage Trail - 26 Miles - Douglas to Peel, St John's to Sulby and Southwards to Foxdale

GREENLANES

A Greenlane is an unsurfaced road through the countryside for pedestrians, 4x4s, motorcycles, mountain bikes and horses. Some are "Greenway Roads" which have restrictions. On Greenlanes, vehicle users should give way to pedestrians and horse riders, and be aware that farm animals may be in the road at any time.

What is a Greenway Road?

A Greenway Road has a weight restriction of 500kg. Permits may be obtained to take vehicles onto these roads.

Can vehicles over 500kg unladen weight use a Greenway Road?

A Greenways Permit is required for large vehicles over 500kg unladen weight to use the road. There are conditions placed upon the issue of the permit such as the times (if appropriate), date(s) and purpose for which a vehicle is permitted to use a specified Greenway. Agricultural Vehicles are Exempt.

Where do I obtain a Greenways Permit?

These can be obtained from the DOI or can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

I am a Cyclist. What rights do I have whilst using the Greenlanes and Greenway Roads?

Off Road Cyclists have a right to use on all Greenlanes and Greenways but should be careful when passing pedestrians and horses who also have a right of way. Cyclists are not allowed on public rights of way.

I like to ride my horse off-road. What rights do I have whilst using the Greenlanes and Greenway Roads?

Horse riders have a right to use on all Greenlanes and Greenway Roads.

I am a Motor Cyclist. What rights do I have whilst using the Greenlanes and Greenway Roads?

Many Greenlanes and Greenway Roads display a white "speed limit" notice advising motorcyclists not to exceed 20mph. The usual advice is to slow down when passing pedestrians and horses. Motorcycling is prohibited on public footpaths.

I would like to drive down a Greenlane. What advice would I follow?

Some entrances to Greenlanes are signed "Unsuitable for Motors", but they may be suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. Greenway Roads identified by a "green" traffic sign mean that vehicles exceeding 500kg unladen weight are prohibited. A Greenways Permit is available for vehicles which are classed as exempt (available from the bottom of this page).

Downloadable Documents