We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
Rights of way and right to roam - access rights of way, open access and permissive access land, use common lands, the Countryside Code, report problems.
You have the right to access some land for walking or certain other…
You can walk on all public rights of way. Some public rights of way are…
You can access some land across England without having to use paths - this…
You may be able to access private land if the landowner has agreed to let…
As the owner or occupier of land with a public right of way across it, you must keep the route visible and not obstruct or endanger users.
As a local highway authority (usually a county council or national park authority) you have statutory duties to record and keep public rights of way open.
How to object or make representations to a public rights of way order
As a local authority you must review your rights of way improvement plan every 10 years.
How to make changes to the legal status of a public right of way.
Start date notices, inquiry & hearing notices and rejection letters published in 2023 for rights of way orders
Use signs at points where a public right of way is not clear.
General guidance to inspectors on public rights of way matters.
Decisions and maps and modification notices for rights of way orders.
As a land owner or manager, find out about your responsibilities and how to manage public access.
Decisions and maps for rights of way orders published within 2020, 2021 and 2022
Gives key advice on open space, sports and recreation facilities, public rights of way and the new Local Green Space designation.
Appeal a decision by your local council to reject your application for a right of way - how to appeal, what documents to submit, who can comment on your appeal and how long it takes.
Decisions and maps for rights of way orders published within 2023 and 2024
Rights of Way order details, including start date notices, inquiry & hearing notices, decision letters and costs decisions.
Advice notes for rights of way casework.
Start date notices, inquiry & hearing notices and rejection letters for rights of way orders within 2020, 2021 and 2022
Decisions and maps and modification notices for rights of way orders within 2019
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.