Rights of Way Improvement Plan
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) will guide Cornwall Council’s management of Public Rights of Way over the next ten years. It's aim is to improve rights of way for the benefit of the wide range of needs of the public that use them. fulfils a statutory requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).
So that we understand the needs of users, preparation of the RoWIP will involve a public survey and consultation with stakeholders. The updated plan will outline how we prioritise decisions to deliver the greatest benefit to Cornwall’s communities. It will also consider the context of the different types of land and sites that Public Rights of Way cross, as well as practical challenges such as climate change and financial implications.
What Are Public Rights of Way?
Cornwall’s Public Rights of Way network includes four legally defined types of paths:
- Footpaths – for walking, mobility scooters, and powered wheelchairs
- Bridleways – for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters, and powered wheelchairs
- Restricted Byways – for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs, and horse-drawn carriages
- Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) – for all of the above, including motor vehicles
In total, Cornwall has 11,581 paths, including the longest section of the South West Coast Path National Trail:
Countryside Access
Cornwall also has a number of other forms of countryside access which are integral to the way in which people use and interact with Public Rights of Way, including:
Multi-use trails, such as the Camel Trail, Coast to Coast, Mineral Tramways, Clay Trails, and Saints Trail
Over 100 countryside and heritage sites managed by Cornwall Council, including four Country Parks:
- Tehidy Woods
- Seaton Valley
- Kit Hill
- Mount Edgcumbe Estate
Other access sites are managed by partners such as the National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust, and private landowners.
Why Now?
Since the last Countryside Access Strategy (2007), Cornwall has seen significant changes:
- A growing, and ageing, population (The Cornwall We Know insight report)
- Increased public interest in outdoor recreation, especially post-Covid (Cornwall and IoS joint Health and Well-being Strategy)
- Pressures from climate change (Cornwall Climate Change Risk Assessment)
- Targets for carbon neutrality (Carbon Neutral Action Plan) and nature recovery (Local Nature Recovery Strategy)
- Encouraging active travel and outdoor access (Cornwall Active Travel Plans)
- Formation of the unitary authority, Cornwall Council.
The refreshed RoWIP will reflect long-term ambitions for Cornwall outlined in our Environment Growth Strategy, the Local Transport Plan, and the Cornwall Local Plan, as well as deliver on the Defra Guidance for preparing and publishing Rights of Way Improvement Plans.
For more information about our Public Rights of Way, please see the 'Important links' section on this page.
Please complete the survey below by 28 September 2025
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Have Your Say on Cornwall’s Public Rights of Way
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Cornwall Council is inviting everyone to take part in a baseline survey to understand how people use Public Rights of Way (such as footpaths and bridleways) and what they mean to residents, businesses and visitors across Cornwall.
This information will help update the Cornwall Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which will set priorities for managing the network over the next ten years.
What the Survey Covers
We want to hear from you about:
• Why you use Public Rights of Way and what they mean to you
• How you use them – the types of journeys you make and where
• What barriers prevent you from using them more often
Why It Matters
Cornwall’s Rights of Way network spans over 4,500 km, connecting moorlands, beaches, river valleys, towns, and villages. Our Rights of Way are a vital part of how many people across Cornwall travel, helping us to get to school, work or connect with friend and family.
Along with providing access for recreation and tourism, they have a vital role in improving access to nature and create active travel routes that are important to support healthier lifestyles and sustainable communities.
A Message from cabinet member for the Environment and Climate Change Cllr Loic Rich
“Rights of Way are an important part of the Cornish highway network. As the local highway authority, Cornwall Council wants to better understand how well they serve users and how we can improve them for one and all. Connectivity between people and the natural environment, brings a huge range of benefits to us, from improved health and well-being, to greater awareness of our various urban and rural settings. And it's all free to use.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan must consider and balance the needs of walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and people with mobility challenges or sensory impairments, as well as other users of Public Rights of Way. That’s why it’s so important we hear from as many people as possible.”“Rights of Way are an important part of our highway network. As the Local Highway Authority, Cornwall Council wants to understand how well they serve users and how we can improve them for everyone.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan must consider the needs of walkers, horse riders, cyclists and people with mobility challenges as well as other users of Public Rights of Way. That’s why it’s so important we hear from as many people as possible.”
Take Part
The survey is available on the Council’s Let’s Talk platform:
https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/rowip
Deadline: 28 September 2025 (But earlier responses are encouraged!)
Public Rights of Way in Cornwall
Who's Listening
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Phone 07749712452 Email charlotte.evans@cornwall.gov.uk -
Email rowip@cornwall.gov.uk