Public Rights of way
Public Rights of Way in Waltham St Lawrence
Welcome to the Public Rights of Way page for Waltham St Lawrence Parish. This page provides information about the network of public footpaths, bridleways, and byways in and around our beautiful village.
What Are Public Rights of Way?
Public Rights of Way (PROW) are paths that the public can use for walking, cycling, or horse riding. They provide access to and from various locations within the parish and beyond, helping locals and visitors enjoy the rural countryside.
In the UK, rights of way are legally protected, meaning that they must remain open and available for public use, unless there are exceptional circumstances or closures for maintenance or safety reasons.
The Importance of Public Rights of Way
Public Rights of Way play a crucial role in the local community, offering several benefits:
- Recreation and Wellbeing: These paths provide opportunities for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding, promoting health and well-being.
- Environmental Education: Public rights of way help residents and visitors explore and appreciate local wildlife, nature reserves, and conservation areas.
- Access to Local Amenities: They connect different parts of the village, allowing easy access to local amenities, schools, shops, and more.
List of Public Rights of Way
The Waltham St Lawrence Parish Council has a network of public rights of way that cross through our beautiful village. These include:
- Footpaths: Suitable for walking only, these paths offer peaceful routes through the countryside.
- Bridleways: These paths can be used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, providing access to more remote areas of the parish.
- Byways: These are generally roads used by vehicles and non-motorized users (i.e., cyclists and walkers).
For detailed maps and information on specific rights of way, please refer to our downloadable Public Rights of Way Map Below . This map shows all footpaths, bridleways, and byways that exist within the parish boundary.
Reporting Issues with Public Rights of Way
If you encounter any problems with the public rights of way, such as obstructions, damaged signs, or unsafe conditions, please report them to the Parish Council. We aim to ensure that all rights of way are maintained in good condition for the public to enjoy.
You can contact us via the Contact Form or directly through our Parish Clerk at parishclerk@wslpc.uk.
Accessing Public Rights of Way
To access the public rights of way, you can use the following guidelines:
- Respect the Environment: Please follow the Countryside Code and ensure that you respect the local wildlife, plants, and animals.
- Keep Dogs Under Control: If you are walking your dog, ensure they are kept on a lead, especially near livestock or wildlife areas.
- Stay on Designated Paths: To preserve the paths and prevent erosion, please stick to the designated routes.
Join Our Working Group
The Waltham St Lawrence Parish Council regularly reviews the public rights of way and works on improvements and maintenance. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more about our working groups, please contact us at parishclerk@wslpc.uk.