In reply to no_more_scotch_eggs:
Towpaths are an interesting throwback. All are now well used and popular paths- most are mixed use, but until recently you needed a licence to cycle on them ( honoured in the breach, mostly) and before that, many were barred completely to the public as they were industrial working locations. CRTs focus for them is now completely on open access( with consideration for others) so with a very few exceptions they are non statutory ROWs