Countryside Access and Public Rights of Way

Shropshire's Countryside Access Team manages approximately 5500km of public footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic (BOATs) and Restricted Byways (RBs). These form a network of routes which run between villages, leading to towns, and providing access to the countryside.

The Countryside Access Team manage these routes to ensure that they are open, clearly marked, recorded at the correct status and on the correct line. Our Implementation Team work out on the ground and the team of enforcement officers ensure the routes are open and available, whilst the Access Mapping team keep the legal record under constant review and deal with all amendments to the Definitive Map including additions, deletions and diversions.

There are opportunities for all users of all abilities to enjoy this diverse and interesting landscape. To find out more visit the links on this page:

Annual Report
For more information on the what work was carried out by the team last year, and to view the priorities for the coming year view the recent Annual Report.

General information
Find out about public rights of way, what they are, who can use them and how they are identified on the ground.

The Countryside Access Team have developed various guidance notes on aspects of the rights of way service which you may find helpful on the ground.

Definitive Map
The Definitive Map is the legal record of Public Rights of Way within the County. Visit this section to find out more about the Definitive Map and the Parish Review along with the legal processes involved in changing the Definitive Map.

Countryside Access Management and Improvements
The Countryside Service is developing new access opportunities. Visit these pages to find out more about the Countryside Access Strategy (rights of way improvement plan), the Local Access Forum, Open Access land and the Parish Paths Access Project.

Rights and Responsibilities
Shropshire County Council have a number of responsibilities to undertake when dealing with the rights of way network.

Find out more about various rights and responsibilities, along with issues of: Enforcement and Legislation; Common Problems; Frequently asked Questions; Ploughing and Cropping Policy; Problem Reporting.

Rights of Way Committee
Find out more about the rights of way committee, view future dates, meeting agendas, minutes and papers.