Towpaths were created for horses pulling barges transporting goods using rivers or canals. The majority of those watercourses were like toll roads requiring licences and fees for their use and the towpaths were part of that toll way, not public rights of way. Towpaths may have subsequently become rights of way and sections may be recorded as footpath, bridleway or even byway. For those canals and rivers managed by the Canal and River Trust, towpaths have access on foot by open permission and usually on cycle but horse access is commonly not permitted unless the towpath has been designated as a bridleway. Reasons against permitting horse access are generally space and perception of conflict with other towpath users and safety. It would be helpful to know of towpaths which are used with horses, with or without special action by riders, such as carefully picking the time of day or using lengths with a wide towpath.

Please report near misses or incidents on www.horseincidents.org.uk or BHS app 'Horse i', not DobbinData. Obstructions or other problems should be reported to your county council. For more about other Equestrian Mapping Projects see www.bhsaccess.org.uk