The definitive map

The Definitive Map is the County Council's legal record of Public Rights of Way in Shropshire and was prepared under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. It shows public footpaths, bridleways and some vehicular rights of way. It is conclusive evidence of the existence of the rights of way although it should be noted that Public Rights of Way may exist that are not shown on the map and claims are continuously being made to add such routes.

The Definitive Map and Statement can only be amended by a legal order. The only exception to this is when a landowner actually dedicates a route across their land. Any order proposing a change to a right of way shown on the map or adding routes to the map will be advertised so that everyone has an opportunity to participate and comment on the proposal.

The relevant date of the Definitive Map for Shropshire is 1st September 1965.

Shropshire County Council has a duty under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to continuously review the Definitive Map, to find out more about the review process and to access the Council's policy follow the Definitive Map Review link on this page.

If you need to see the legal record of Public Rights of Way we recommend that you inspect a working copy of the Definitive Map that has been amended to take account of legal changes to the network since 1964. This can be inspected during normal working hours at the Countryside Access Team Office. Please telephone 01743 255056 before making a visit, to ensure that the map is not already in use by others. Visitors must go to Main Reception, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury.

Rights of Way data available online
The public rights of way information for Shropshire is now available online. Visit Shropmap to view the information. (Please note the data is only available for viewing down to 1:10000 scale). The definitive map is under continuous review with new routes being added or existing routes being altered therefore the information displayed on the digital working copy will be updated regularly.