Public rights of way

There are over six thousand kilometres of public rights of way in Essex, comprising footpaths, bridleways and byways. Essex County Council has a statutory duty to maintain and protect the network of public rights of way.

 

Essex County Council provides a number of services to enable users to gain access to the whole network.

 

The Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way

Find information on the location of Public Rights of Way within Essex, and how to have a path designated as a Public Right of Way.
 

Using Public Rights of Way

Information for users of Public Rights of Way.

 

Public Rights of Way publications

A range of publications from Essex County Council, all free to download, that provide details of walks within Essex.
 

Information for landowners and developers

Information for landowners with public rights of way on their property, and developers seeking to develop land across which there is a public right of way.
 

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP)

The policy document that outlines Essex County Council’s plan for improving access to the countryside through rights of way.
 

If you need to report a problem with a public right of way, you can do so by using our online reporting system.