What is a permissive path?

A permissive path is a path which the landowner permits the public to use, with the intention that it should not become a public right of way. The landowner may erect notices to that effect and, perhaps, close the path once a year. Because a permissive path is not a public right of way, it is not subject to rights-of-way law and claims cannot be made to have the path added to the definitive map through user evidence during a 20-year period where it was known that the path was permissive.