A bridleway is a way over which the public have the following, but no other, rights of way: a right of way on foot and a right of way on horseback or leading a horse, with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the way. (United Kingdom Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990 (c. 25), section 3(2)(b)). Cycles are also permitted on bridleways.

Bridleways are shown as long green dashes on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps, or long pink dashes on 1:50,000 maps. They are shown as dashed orange lines on the 1:25,000 maps where there is no statutory right of way but where the landowner permits use as a bridleway. The Ordnance Survey maps cannot be treated as the definitive description of bridleways and they often taken some years to be updated with changes. Local Authorities (usually County or Unitary Authorities) are required to maintain the definitive map of all rights of way in their areas and these can be inspected at Council Offices.

A bridleway is sometimes waymarked using a blue arrow on a metal or plastic disc or by blue paint dots on posts and trees.