Wildlife & Countryside

Public rights of way

Image of signpost indicating rights of way

Rights of way are minor public highways that exist for the benefit of the community at large, in much the same way as the public road network does. They are the most widely recognised opportunity for the public to enjoy the English countryside.

New rights of way circular issued

Recent developments

In this section:

  • What are public rights of way?
    Learn more about the elements that make up public rights of way.
  • Definitive maps and statements
    Surveying authorities are required to maintain definitive maps and statements indicating public rights of way in their area.
  • Making changes to the rights of way network
    Local authorities have powers to make changes to the footpath and bridleway networks in their area. They can create new routes, or divert or extinguish existing routes. Find out why changes may be made to existing rights of way.
  • Protecting & maintaining rights of way
    Highway authorities have a duty to protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any rights of way. This means they are obliged by law to keep rights of way open and useable.
  • Right to apply and appeal for extinguishment and diversion orders
    A statutory right to apply for orders to extinguish or divert public rights of way, together with the associated rights of appeal to the Secretary of State, was introduced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
  • Rights of way and people with mobility problems
    The Government wants to make it easier for people with mobility problems to have access to the countryside by encouraging measures to improve the accessibility of public rights of way.
  • Use of vehicles on public rights of way
    Find out more about the legal and illegal use of public rights of way by vehicles.
  • Rights of way improvement plans
    Authorities are to develop proposals to improve and manage their rights of way networks to meet the needs of the public, looking at ways in which they can benefit health, transport, recreation, tourism and other local economic needs.
  • PROWtool
    A tool to help local authorities justify and prioritise rights of way expenditure in line with the achievement of desired social and economic outcomes
  • How to request removal of an obstruction
    Find out about the process for asking your local highway authority to remove an obstruction.
  • Public Inquiry rules
    Rules have been introduced to govern Public Inquiries and Hearings which are required to determine orders relating to public rights of way.

Further information

If you want to find out more about any of the above or any other rights of way issues, you can contact either Defra or Natural England at the addresses below.

Image of a gate in the countrysideDepartment for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Zone 1/02
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6EB
Tel: 0117 372 6274
Fax: 0117 372 8587
Email: recreation.access@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Enquiries
Natural England
Northminster House
PETERBOROUGH
PE1 1UA
Tel: 0845 600 3078
Fax: 01733 455103
E-mail: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk

Page last modified: 27 February 2009
Page published: 23 October 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs