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Happy birthday to official footpaths map
Posted on 22/12/2009
Community Services
People can explore Leicestershire’s countryside much more easily thanks to the official record of public rights of ways, called the Definitive Map and Statement, which is now marking its sixtieth birthday.
The Definitive Map and Statement were brought into being in 1949 by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. This meant that public footpaths, bridleways and byways were officially recorded for the first time.
The same act also created the National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and official long-distance footpaths like the Pennine Way.
In the years following the act, Leicestershire County Council compiled the Definitive Map largely based on information submitted by Parish or Urban District Councils.
Being shown on the map and statement confirms that a path is public right of way and also shows the route it officially takes.
Ernie White cabinet lead member for the Countryside Service said: “The Definitive Map is the cornerstone of all the County Council’s day-to-day work with footpaths, bridleways and byways.
“It makes things much clearer for landowners and farmers, walkers and riders, and the County Council staff who look after the network. Before there was this official record, it wasn’t clear where people could or couldn’t go, and routes had less legal protection.”
The Definitive Map defines which routes the council has to signpost, keep clear, and make easier to use. The Definitive Map is also the basis of the rights of way shown on the Ordnance Survey. A version of the Definitive Map is online at www.leics.gov.uk/maps
Notes
To change a route on the Definitive Map involves a formal legal process in cases where landowners want a path to be diverted, or a route has to be altered due to developments like new roads or extensive house building.
Routes may be added to the Definitive Map where developers and landowners agree to dedicate new rights of way.
However some well-used paths and historic routes that could qualify as public rights of way are not recorded on the Definitive Map and so vulnerable to becoming lost. There is a formal procedure for people to ‘claim’ a missing route. Sometimes this leads to a public inquiry after which the route is added to the Definitive Map following the decision of a Government inspector.
Nearly everyone has an existing right of way almost on their doorstep; over 90 per cent of people in Leicestershire live within 500 metres of a footpath, bridleway or byway. Walking is the easiest way to have some fresh air and exercise and local paths are an ideal way to explore more.
More information about where to walk or ride in Leicestershire is on the web at: www.leics.gov.uk/countryside