THE festive period in the Mendip Hills is one of the most magical times of the year.

During Christmas and New Year break, families and visitors take to the hills in greater numbers, eager to enjoy crisp air, sweeping views and the tranquil break from routine. With this welcome rise in footfall, it is important those using the local network of trails understands their rights and obligations to help preserve the area and ensure safe, harmonious access for all.

The Mendips contain a patchwork of paths and access routes, and not all of them carry the same legal rights. The most familiar category is the public footpath. These routes are legally protected rights of way for pedestrians. You may walk freely along them and take a pram or dog (on or off a lead where appropriate), but cycling and horse riding are not permitted on public footpaths unless specifically authorised by the landowner. Some footpaths cross working farmland, so walkers should keep dogs under close control and always stick to marked route, even if livestock or mud make this tempting to ignore.

Less well understood is the permissive footpath. These are routes that look like public rights of way but exist thanks to the permission of the landowner rather than by legal right. They are sometimes provided to divert people away from environmentally sensitive or agricultural areas. Because they rely on goodwill, they can be closed temporarily or permanently at the landowner’s discretion. Visitors should therefore observe any signage, seasonal restrictions or notices that a permissive path is shut, and avoid leaving the route or treating it as an automatic right of access.

The third major category is the bridleway. Bridleways allow access not only to pedestrians but also to horse riders and cyclists. Vehicles and motorbikes remain prohibited. Because bridleways carry mixed usage, extra consideration is required. Horses take priority, but riders also have responsibilities. When meeting walkers, riders should moderate their pace, warn of their approach in good time and pass safely. The size and unpredictability of horses can make some walkers nervous, so a calm and courteous exchange helps ensure the experience remains pleasant for everyone.

Similarly, the popularity of mountain biking in the Mendips means shared use is increasingly common. Cyclists must give way to both walkers and horse riders on bridleways. Speed should be adjusted to suit visibility and conditions, especially around bends, slopes and narrow sections. On public footpaths, cyclists have no automatic right to ride unless permission has been granted — doing so is not only inconsiderate but can damage trails and create hazards for pedestrians.

Above all, whether on two feet, two wheels or four hooves, users should remember a few shared principles: stay on marked paths, close gates behind you, keep dogs under control, never drop litter and show patience when meeting others. The Mendip Hills are precious to locals and visitors alike. By understanding and respecting the different types of access and by treating each other courteously, we ensure that the hills remain enjoyable, safe and beautiful for generations to come.