How are rights of way mapped?

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Public rights of way within Wiltshire are recorded on what is known as the Definitive Map and Statement. The Definitive Map and Statement for Wiltshire dates from the early 1950's and was created under the terms of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

It was published after consultation between the county council, parish and district councils, landowners and members of the public and today forms a legal record of the public rights of way - footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic - that exist in the county of Wiltshire. The Definitive Map shows the route of public rights of way and the Definitive Statement provides a written record of each route.

The Definitive Map and Statement comprise a very important document. If a route is shown on the map then that is legal - conclusive - evidence that the public have those rights and retain them still, unless there has been a legally authorised change since the map was created.

Viewing the Definitive Map

You can view the Definitive Map and Statement for Wiltshire at County Hall, Trowbridge, or you can look at what is known as the 'working copy' of the map online.

Landowner declarations of public rights of way

Section 31 (6) of the Highways Act 1980 enables landowners to deposit with the local authority a map and statement showing the ways on their land (if any) which they admit are dedicated as public rights of way. This can help landowners to avoid new rights of way being created across their land through public use. The submission has to be reviewed every 10 years.

View the register of S31 Deposits held with the Council

Last updated: 17 November 2011