Here in the UK a footpath is wot U walk on. Sidewalk if you will. But in the UK it has a legal definition outside of the highway, where you can walk, even across someone's land if it is a designated footpath. They are distinct from bridleways that horse & rider may use as well. And even motorbikes in many cases. towpaths are foot paths, unless you are a pushbike!

So when did all our footpaths become footways?
Now all roadworks that impinge bear signs saying "FOOTWAY CLOSED". Thus not implying any legal rights attached thereto, one has to assume.