The Definitive Map is the legal record of public rights of way in Shropshire. It shows public footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic (BOATs). The inclusion of a route is conclusive evidence of the existence of the rights of way, although it should be noted that other public rights of way may exist that aren't shown on the map, and claims are continually being made to add such routes.

The Definitive Map and Statement can only be amended by a legal order, and affected landowners and the public are given an opportunity to make representations before this can happen. The only exception to this is when a landowner expressly dedicates a route across their land.

The Definitive Map is maintained by the Access Mapping and Enforcement team, which processes applications to alter the map whether based on evidence (modification orders) or on preference, or where paths are affected by development (public path orders). The team also responds to queries relating to the map, and carries out formal searches. Many functions of the Access Mapping and Enforcement team involve a charge for costs, but anyone can view the map free of charge at Shrewsbury library during normal working hours. Please call 0345 678 9000 before making a visit to ensure that the map isn't already in use by others.

Much of the work of the Access Mapping and Enforcement team is guided by council policy and priorities contained within the Countryside Access Strategy for Shropshire.

If you require any further information about any aspect of Definitive Map work a comprehensive range of public guidance notes are available. Just follow the link on this page.

Rights of way data available online

Public rights of way information for Shropshire are now available online on our mapping system. The information displayed on the digital working copy will be updated regularly. However, if accurate information is needed the only truly reliable source is to view the Definitive Map at Shrewsbury library, or to carry out a formal search.

Revised definitive map and statement

On 1 February 2020 Shropshire Council revised its Definitive Map and Statement of public rights of way (under the provisions of section 57(3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981). This is the first revision since September 1965 and includes over 2000 modifications resulting from confirmed legal orders and agreements since that time. The revised definitive map for the county has been printed in colour at a scale of 1:10,000 (a sample page can be viewed here) and the revised statement includes descriptions of all these modifications made to the rights of way network since 1965 when the statement consisted of one route only (a sample page from the statement can be viewed here).

The Definitive Map and Statement may be viewed free of charge during normal office hours at Shrewsbury library. Please call 0345 678 9000 before making a visit to ensure that the map isn't already in use by others.

The online working copy of the Definitive Map will record any modifications to the 2020 Definitive Map resulting from a confirmed public path order and all modifications will then be included on the next revised map and statement.