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, lead to and from towns, and provide access to the countryside.

The Countryside Access Team manage these routes to ensure that they are open and clearly signed on the ground, recorded at the correct status and available on the correct line. Our Maintenance 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 (Definitive Map) 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:

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.

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 and our current register of legal orders.

Rights and Responsibilities
Shropshire Council have a number of responsibilities to undertake when dealing with the rights of way network. Find out more by following the link below.

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