UKH

I'm asking as I'm thinking of getting an off-road bike, and trying to gauge what kind of paths I could ride it on. 

Technically cycling on footpaths is trespassing. We have right of way to cycle on bridleways, but not on footpaths.

Do you do it?

What sort of footpaths? Over farmland? Through woods? Towpaths? On access land?

Does anyone ever give you trouble for it?

there are a lot of "shared" footpath / cycleways, an off road bike (with knobbly) tyres isn't that good on them, far easier on a bike with smooth tyres - try a "hybrid" bike which shoudl be capable of cycling most places (except extreme mtb areas etc.)

Come to Scotland where it's all much simpler. Or better even.

You are allowed to cycle on canal towpaths.

Didn't really answer my question. I know that shared footpath/cycleways exist.

I'm wondering if cycling on pure footpaths through the countryside is a realistic option, or am I going to get threatened on a regular basis. 

Huh. Didn't know that. Thanks.

I'll get flamed for this, but the simple answer is "Yes". 

A slightly better answer is akin to Fausto Coppi - "Only when absolutely necessary"

As you say Cycling on a footpath is not illegal, but it is an act of trespass and the landowner can insist you leave. So you are in exactly the same position as Benny Rothman and his pals on Kinder in the 1930s. And for exactly the same reason - access laws have not kept up to date with the legitimate desire for recreation, and we are still trapped by the notions of property ownership that date back to 1066.

The law that grants cyclists access to bridleways dates back to 1968, a good 10-15 years before mountain bikes started to drift over here from California. Cyclists may be tolerated on bridleways, but their requirements are not considered. So just as with roads we are secondary to other modes of transport.

Does this mean I think MTBs should have unfettered access - absolutely not. Whilst my respect for the law may be limited, my respect for the environment and for other users is paramount.

So before you ride an FP, consider whether it is likely to be regarded as anti-social or a waste of goodwill. Avoid it when the ground is soft and tyre tracks are very obvious. Avoid it when the trails are busy with walkers. Don't ride in big groups. Keep your speed down unless you are absolutely sure you can see the trail ahead. If you do meet walkers, be exceptionally nice and friendly, even if they are not.

Mind you, I would advise following these rules on BWs as well.   

Depends where and to an extent when.  Plenty of footpath cycling around here (where there are also lots of bridleways) but it usually only becomes an issue when large groups of riders  ride inconsiderately and/or are rude to other users.  Unless you're very blatant problems with landowners are rarer I would suspect. 

It's an ongoing debate and many rights of way professionals are fairly relaxed about it but, it's still trespass. 

The rules of cheeky.

http://www.cheekytrails.co.uk/ethics.htm

Some of the MTB promoted by local councils here include sections of footpath. My experience has been that if you are considerate and polite to the walkers who are actually entitled to be there, it is unlikely anyone will complain. Slow down, don't pass within inches, mind out for dogs and small children. If necessary, get off while walkers pass (but mostly, they will let you pass).

I've had a pretty patronising telling off from a Lake District farmer for riding on a footpath. The detail of the situation illustrates just how ludicrous the laws are.

The footpath in question was a tarmac road, the bridleway I should've been on was a narrow, overgrown track 10m to the side. The bridleway crossed the footpath several times and actually used parts of it for several sections.

I love the last line: If someone says “bikes are not allowed on here” reply with “yes, I know, silly isn’t it?”

When I was more into mountain biking I rode footpaths all the time, very rarely had anyone cause an issue and the times I did its been by people who generally have no idea what they are on about. 

Even in this thread there is confusion. You ARE allowed to ride on footpaths but must leave by the most convenient route when asked to do so by the land owner or their representative because you do not have a legal right to be there (walkers do have this legal right)... The most convenient route for me to leave is in the direction I was heading. Local bylaws may supersede this but that's the base of the law. 

Ive posted threads on here about this before....

My gripe (im also a cyclist road/mountain) is inconsiderate mountain bikers on footpaths and those who are riding and causing considerable erosion.

It just needs a bit of courtesy and consideration of the environment, however, where I live and walk this doesn't often happen, especially with groups of mountain bikers riding at speed on footpaths and jamming breaks on during fast descents and ripping the grass off.

So you have a problem with inconsiderate people then. The issues listed are just as applicable to bridleways as they are footpaths. 

With consideration. Don't expect walkers to get out of your way.  Don't shout, ring bells etc. Don't go fast. Don't ride where you will cause damage. Get off and walk if asked. 

On a practical point, many little used footpaths across farmland might be quite overgrown and have lots of stiles on them and might not be much fun to ride as a result

I agree....inconsiderate cyclists are so whether they are on footpaths or bridleways/roads etc....however, my second point related to erosion caused by mountain bikes on footpaths which are ok'ish for carefully ridden bikes, however, at least half of the ones I see are thrashed downhill on grass growing over peat, with people locking their brakes up and skidding for long stretches and stripping the grass. To be fair this weather has helped reduce the erosion but when its wet it has a big impact.

Indeed - almost any footpath around our way will be slower on two wheels than two feet...

On a practical point, many little used footpaths might be quite overgrown so you are doing everyone a favour by riding them. 

On a practical point, many little used footpaths might be quite overgrown so you are doing everyone a favour by riding them. 

You're probably better off asking with reference to the specific area that you live in and what you are hoping to gain from the experience.

Cycling on footpaths across lowland farmland is likely to be a pain in the arse as you deal with stiles and kissing gates at every field boundary, a steady ride utilsing bridleways and country lanes would probably provide a better experience. If you have large areas of forestry nearby then this may be a good bet, if you want to play at daredevil hooning down steep hills then you may be better off at a specialist centre with defined MTB trails.

just get out and ride and find out. its an adventure sport this mtbing. that means you try things and discover stuff.

asmentioned, it is trespassing not to leave when asked.

Yes cycle all the time, never had any complaints. All types and anywhere, I'm always courteous to walkers giving them right of way and thanking them if they wait or move for me.

I've never heard of anyone having any issues either.

But not as much fun

Enjoyed reading this thread.  Most of the responses seem to be: courtesy and consideration go a long way, which is how I'd see it.  I'm a walker and a cyclist (and Yes, I've cycled on footpaths).  I'm also a driver and I've broken the speed limit and had my pic taken (moral of story: if you get caught breaking the rules/speed limit, take it on the chin etc).  As always, if you approach someone on an individual basis, the interaction is usually positive; if you get groups (either walkers or cyclists), the response can be a little less than positive.