Public Rights of Way

Public Rights of Way give a right of access for members of the public over land in private ownership, providing them access to countryside they can enjoy.

Responsibility for paths in the countryside is divided between landowners and the Council, but

responsible use of the countryside by the public is equally important. Information for users can be found in the Countryside Codes.

The Council’s role, as the Highway Authority for the area, includes maintaining path surfaces, maintaining bridges, mapping paths, administering changes and taking enforcement action to resolve obstructions. Further information on the Council’s responsibilities can be found within guidance on the Welsh Government’s website.

Landowners responsibilities include maintaining gates and stiles (liaising with council when doing so), cutting back overhanging vegetation, reinstating paths through ploughed land or crops and ensuring certain animals (e.g. particular breeds of bull) are not stocked in fields to which the public has access.

The Council also works with various groups representing the interests of both users and landowners, such as the Ramblers Association, British Horse Society and Valeways. Valeways are a charitable body who work alongside the Council to co-ordinate volunteers and help improve the County’s rights of way, as well as prepare leaflets and other information on walks in the Vale area.