There are over 2200 kilometres of Public Rights of Way in Bedfordshire, linking towns and villages to the diverse countryside and landscape of the county. The County Council is responsible for the management of this access network, which consists of 1550 kilometres of Public Footpaths, 600 kilometres of Public Bridleways and 50 kilometres of Public Byway. There are also a number of promoted routes ranging from village walks to regional trails.

Bedfordshire County Council manages a Joint Local Access Forum with Luton Borough Council to act as an advisory body to guide the authorities as to the improvement of public access to land for open air recreation and enjoyment.

Bedfordshire was selected to operate a national pilot to develop an ''Outdoor Access Improvement Plan''. The Plan investigates current use and evaluates the future needs and demands of local people and sets objectives to improve the network to meet them.