Public Rights of Way
Public rights of way are paths or routes that the public has a legal right to use. Kent County Council manages public rights of way to ensure they are accessible, safe, and well-maintained. They provide essential routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders, ensuring that people can move freely and safely.
The public rights of way team have a range of responsibilities including:
- Maintenance and Repairs: KCC is responsible for the upkeep of public rights of way, including repairing surfaces, clearing vegetation, and maintaining signage.
- Mapping and Documentation: They maintain the definitive map and statement, which legally records all public rights of way in Kent. This map is crucial for identifying and verifying routes.
- Problem Reporting and Resolution: The council provides a system for the public to report issues on public rights of way, such as obstructions or damage. They address these problems to keep the paths usable.
- Rights of Way Improvement Plan: KCC develops and implements an improvement plan to enhance the public rights of way network, ensuring it meets the needs of the community and supports sustainable travel.
- Legal and Administrative Tasks: This includes processing applications to modify the definitive map, handling legal orders for diversions or closures, and protecting land against new public rights of way or village greens.
Why are Public Rights of Way important?
- Accessibility and Mobility: They provide essential routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders, ensuring that people can move freely and safely across different areas.
- Recreation and Health: These paths offer opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and cycling, which promote physical health and well-being.
- Environmental Benefits: Public rights of way help protect natural landscapes by encouraging people to use designated paths, reducing the impact on surrounding wildlife and habitats.
On our website, we have a huge variety of promoted routes along the rights of way network. Check out our activities and find some inspiration for your next trail.
Countryside Code
Want to refresh your Countryside Code knowledge? The Countryside Code encourages everyone to respect others, protect the environment, and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
The Countryside Code
Report a Fault
Find out how you can report problems you find on the public rights of way network by following our step-by-step guidance.
You can report non-urgent issues along any pathway online including:
- Broken stiles
- Overgrown vegetation or fallen trees
- Damaged or dangerous path surfaces
- Damaged or missing signposts.
Public Rights of Way Improvements
Are you curious about the latest improvement projects the Public Rights of Way team have completed? Check out the highlights of work completed this year. Perfect for exploring more of your local area, discovering the health and wellbeing benefits of venturing out in Kent. It’s a great way to explore your local area and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of getting out and about in Kent!
Public Rights of Way ImprovementsWalking your Dog Safely
Looking to enjoy the beautiful Kent countryside with your furry companion? Take a moment to relax, breathe in the fresh air, and get some exercise. To ensure a safe and stress-free experience for your dog and the farm animals, we’re here to share some best practices for responsible dog ownership.
- Watch videos on how to keep you and your dog safe when walking in the countryside and by cattle.
- Find our top dog walking routes.
Health and Wellbeing
Discover the many advantages of outdoor activities! Watch our videos showcasing a variety of activities designed to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing, such as:
- Linear and circular walking routes.
- Stile Free Routes.
- Local Park and Green Spaces.
- Using the Kent Connected App on the go.
Health and Wellbeing with Explore Kent
Active Travel
Not sure where to start with Active Travel? We’ve got lots of tips and resources to help you get started on your active travel journey. We have lots of resources including:
- Active Travel Town Maps
- Improvement Routes
- Videos on bike confidence and safety.
Want to find out more about Public Rights of Way and the services they provide? Visit the KCC website to find out more.