Public Rights Of Way
The Rights of Way Section
The Rights of Way Section is part of the Parks, Countryside and Leisure Development Service of Herefordshire Council which comes under Adult and Community Services.
There are approximately 4,400 registered public rights of way in Herefordshire, ranging in length from a few metres to several kilometres. In total there are over 3,400 km [2,113 miles] of rights of way, about the same distance as all the Public Road Network in the County.
The status and location of public rights of way are contained within the definitive map and statement. Rights of way shown on the definitive map and statement are without prejudice to other rights that may exist.
The Rights of Way Section is responsible for the management of the Public Rights of Way Network in Herefordshire.
There are three categories of Rights of Way:
- A footpath may be used only for walking.
- A bridleway may be used for riding or leading a horse, as well as for walking. Cycling is permitted, providing cyclists give way to riders and pedestrians. Driving a horse-drawn vehicle is not permitted.
- A byway open to all traffic (usually called 'a byway') is used for walking, riding or leading a horse or cycling. There is also a right of use for any kind of wheeled vehicle, including motor cars and horse-drawn vehicles.
This includes the practical maintenance and improvements of paths such as:
- signposting paths where they leave a metalled road
- where appropriate, way marking of footpaths, bridleways and byways
- maintaining and controlling natural vegetation on the surface of footpaths and bridleways
- the provision and maintenance of bridges over natural watercourses and ditches
- ensuring that public rights of way are available to use safely and kept unobstructed
- ensuring stiles and gates are installed and maintained
- investigating reported defects and taking appropriate enforcement or legal action, if necessary, to ensure paths remain open and available
- surveying the network to monitor our performance
We are also responsible for the updating and continuous review of all Public Rights of Way which are shown on the Definitive Map. This map may be inspected at the Public Rights of Way Section offices at Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill, telephone 01432 26 0572 for details. Extracts of the Definitive Map are charged at £10.00 for an A4 extract and £20.00 for an A3 extract. The Definitive Map is the official record and most up to date source of information recording the location and status of Public Rights of Way.
The Herefordshire Public Rights of Way Section is committed to protecting and maintaining public rights of way and making the best use of available resources in order to do so.
How to contact us
If you have any problems when using any of the routes please contact us:
By email: rightsofway@herefordshire.gov.uk
In writing:
Public Rights of Way Department, Queenswood Country Park,
Dinmore Hill, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY
By telephone: 01432 26 0572
By fax: 01432 260526
