Can I rely on Ordnance Survey maps to show rights of way accurately?
Britain's national mapping agency, the Ordnance Survey shows public rights of way on its published maps at 1:25,000 scale and at 1:50,000 scale - the popular Explorer and Landranger series available in bookshops. The OS obtains all of its rights of way information from definitive maps supplied to it by local highway authorities like The Council. Whenever a change is made by the highway authority - a footpath diversion perhaps or the upgrading of a footpath to a bridleway for example - the authority informs the OS which then ensures that the change is shown when the relevant Explorer or Landranger map is next revised.
Definitive maps are, more often than not, printed at a scale of 1:10,560 or 1:10,000 so there is a slight reduction in the precision with which the exact line of a path can be shown when transferred to 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 mapping. Even so these maps are more than adequate for most purposes - navigation, study or planning your walk or ride. You should be aware that published OS mapping can never be completely up to date as change is ever present - as true for rights of way as it is for any other aspect of the landscape. However you can expect that much the greater part of the path network will be accurately shown on the latest maps available in the shops.
When was the Map published?
Preparation of the Map started in the early 1950's, following the passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Initial surveys were carried out by town/parish councils and walking groups. A lengthy consultation process involving landowners and path users eventually led to the publication of the Definitive Maps for most of Cheshire, in the years between 1966 and 1974.
The urban areas of Chester City and central Macclesfield (and some other urban areas no longer in Cheshire) were omitted from the survey at that time. Maps for these two areas were published in 1997.
How up-to-date is the Definitive Map then?
Since publication, various legal orders have been made to modify the Definitive Map. These reflect the numerous path diversions, creations, closures and other changes which have occurred since the map was prepared. The Council is working towards publishing a 'consolidated Definitive Map' for Cheshire which will incorporate all these changes. Meanwhile the Council keeps updated working copies of the Map available for public inspection.
Where can I see the Definitive Map?
View lists of all of the public footpaths, bridleways, 'restricted byways' and 'byways open to all traffic' in modern Cheshire.
The original Map(s) and the working copies are available for public inspection during normal office hours, at the Countryside & Rights of Way Office in Winsford. No prior appointment is necessary but you are advised to contact the Unit beforehand to ensure that an officer is on hand to assist with any queries you might have regarding the map. The Unit is open to the public from 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday - Thursday and from 9.00am - 4.30pm, Friday.
Each borough/city council and every town and parish council hold copies for their areas. Each of these was updated towards the end of 2003. Those held at borough council and county council offices are available for inspection free of charge during normal office hours. Please note however that, apart from those Maps held at the C&RoW office in Winsford, they cannot be guaranteed to be 100% up-to-date nor should you expect expert advice on their interpretation to be available. You can also contact your local parish clerk if you wish to view the Map for a particular parish - but the same warning applies!
Public rights of way mapping based on the Definitive Map is available by clicking the Online Mapping Tool under 'Do It Online' on the home page of this website. Click on 'map layers' then 'public rights of way', then choose which categories of route you wish to have displayed on the map. Use the 'select' tool to obtain basic information on your chosen path: path number, parish and length.
Contact The Public Rights Of Way Unit
What does 'Definitive' mean?
The appearance of a path on the Definitive Map is conclusive proof of its existence in law. However the reverse is not true. The fact that a right of way is not recorded on the Map, along a particular route, is not evidence that there is no right of way along that route. Similarly, higher rights eg bridle rights, may exist along a route shown only as a public footpath.
What can I do if I think the Map is inaccurate or incomplete?
You can apply to the Council for the addition of a path to the Definitive Map (or a deletion), or for a change in the status of any route shown on it. However, since the map is deemed to be legally conclusive proof of the existence of the public rights shown on it, you will need to supply strong evidence to support your claim. Given sufficient evidence, the Council is obliged to make a Definitive Map Modification Order to effect the change.
Applying to modify the Map
Current Definitive Map modification orders |