Can mountain bikers ride on footpaths in the UK mountains? A recent encounter with a hiker got me thinking, so I spoke to a local landowner in the Lake District to get some clarity. They explained that many mountain footpaths—often fiercely defended by hikers—have been shaped over centuries by erosion caused mostly by foot traffic. Interestingly, the landowner wasn’t bothered by bikers using these trails, as long as everyone respects the land and leaves no mess behind.
Legally, I learned that only a landowner can ask someone to leave a public right of way—not other trail users. With these rules dating back to a time before bikes, it makes you wonder: are they still relevant today?
That said, I believe the best approach is to always remain polite and respectful, whether you’re biking or hiking—and hope for the same in return. Trail sharing works best when everyone respects each other and the environment. What’s your take on this? Let me know in the comments!
#MountainBiking #FootpathsDebate #HikingVsBiking #TrailEtiquette #LakeDistrict #PublicRightsOfWay #RespectTheTrails #OutdoorAdventures #mountainbiking #mtblife
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Wow, I never expected this Short to blow up like this! So, I’ve done an Instagram poll to really see the numbers, and in the next couple of days, I’ll be dropping a video diving deeper into it all. If you haven’t already, hit that subscribe button and stay tuned—this could get even more controversial! 😏
Bridle way ? That’s good because you ent on a horse.
I hope when I am older I dont become the guy who tells people off 😂
I ride trail bikes,you should see the amount of this we have to put up with,and green lanes are classed as ROADS !…
Bridleways yes, footpaths no. It's simple.
He is a Bore of a Walker, but you should be trying to stay on the correct routes. It'll only end up with more restrictions being placed on MTBs.
I've seen plenty of walkers on mtb trails. I just smile and move on with my life😂👍
A matter of fact bikes are not allowed on designated footpaths and also walkers have absolute right of way on designated cycleways.Not a choice but the law of the land.
You're not on a bridle way! No im not..but I'm on a mountain bike and this is a mountain sir 🫡
Jesus wait till meet horse riders..
Professional arrogant mf,s..
There's always one gobshite who likes to mouth off
You should have said, i like them boots, are they mountain boots?…… As this is my mountain bike. Cheerio.
But the walker isn't wrong.
Come to Scotland instead, we don't have your English rules – Right To Roam!
it’s not like bore off it’s more like get the fk off the mountain where you aren’t allowed to ride you bell end you would complain if people walked your precious bike trails
Why cant people just get on with there own lives and stay in there lane?
Some bozo had a go at me for riding my bike ‘on an ancient monument’, meanwhile there are cows trampling and shitting all over it along with dogs and their owners. I pointed this out to him. Some people just have nothing better to worry about. As long as you respect the countryside there shouldn’t be an issue. Not like your bombing along the trail posing a danger to walkers is it. We just need to share spaces and get along.
Well mountain bikes are allowed on bridleways 😂
Bloody hell just get on with your life
Your not speeding along, recklessly, oblivious to other people. No one 'owns' the place, as long as everyone is aware, and can see, horses, bikes, people, whatever, as long as it's NOT motorised.
You'd be surprised that almost ALL terrain here in Tuscany is actually somehow "private"…. 🤌🏼
he was polite. ive seen and experienced a lot worse.
I do the exact same 😅😅
Only rule to live by do as you please, harm none.
the best thing to say is it is a bridal way so why are you on here then as bridal means horses
and if you get shouted at a crossing say now it's a pilloc on a crossing
If it’s not a bridal way and you’re in England then you can not cycle there so stop taking the piss out of the man. Stfu and stop being disrespectful, it’s discussing and horrible to watch… not all paths are for cycling even though it’s a mountain as some areas have wildlife and you could damage and erode the path. Not impressed.
As long as everyone is respectful to each other and bikers slow down when encountering people, and people move to the side when they see bikers, there shouldn’t be an issue.