Changes to the Rights of Way Network

Changes to the Rights of Way Network

The Rights of Way network is not fixed in stone, and over time there have been a large number of changes to the network. Below are details of current Orders open for objections and representations, along with recently confirmed Orders, with links to the relevant documents.

What sort of changes happen?

Public Path Orders - diversions, creations, and extinguishments

These are changes that move, close or create paths to benefit the public or the landowner/occupier.

Most landowners will soon have a right to apply for orders on their land.  We are obliged to keep a register of all current applications.  This will be added to our webpages when the right comes into effect.

The cost of changes are generally met by the beneficiary or applicant.

This is detailed in our current guidance, costs, and application form.

• Diversion Order - Guidance
• Diversion Order - Application Form

Decisions taken under delegated powers

Decisions with regard to most public path orders are taken under delegated powers.  Under the Openness of Government Regulations 2014 we publish all these decisions which can be seen on the Openness of Government- Delegated Decisions page, which can be accessed here.

Decisions taken through our Rights of Way Committee procedures are on our committees page of this website (Rights of Way Committee page can be found here).

Modification Orders

These are changes made based on historical evidence. If any member of the public believes that the definitive map (the legal record of rights of way) is incorrect, then they can make an application to us to modify the map.  Changes can be to delete a path incorrectly shown, alter incorrect alignments, change the status (from footpath to bridleway for instance) or add routes not shown in the current map.

• Guidance on how paths become public rights of way (PDF)
• Definitive Map Modification Order Application Pack - including guidance (PDF)
• Form E - Claimed Public Right of Way Evidence(PDF)

We are obliged to keep a register of all current modification order applications, these can be found on the Cumberland County Council and Westmorland & Furness County Council websites.

All Modification Order decisions are taken through our Rights of Way Committee procedures and are on our committee page - with links to this also on here.

Public Path Orders and Modification Orders within the last six months

Made Orders

Occupation Lane, Broughton West Parish- Modification of definitive map to add two bridleways

Parish: Broughton West Parish (Duddon Parish Council)

Location: Occupation Lane, Broughton-in-Furness

Path: Bridleways 520070 & 520071

Proposal: Modify the definitive map by adding two sections of bridleway along Occupation Lane a) between Station Road in Broughton and Broughton Park, and b) between Broughton Park and Bush Green on the A595

Objection and Representation Period: 18 August 2022 to 21 October 2022

Link to Orders and Notice

Objection has been received and matter has been submitted to Secretary of State to determine.

Modification Order-  Footpaths 409052/419049, Gaterigghow Bridge to Hollins Bridge along the River Irt, Parishes of Gosforth and Wasdale

Objections have been received and matter has been submitted to Secretary of State to determine.  A Public Inquiry has been called for 30 September 2025.  All paperwork can be inspected here  https://tinyurl.com/riverirtpath

Diversion Orders -  Footpath 306004/361039, Naddle Bridge & Highpark, Bampton and Shap Rural Parishes

Confirmed Orders

Creation of Footpath 220061, Fleetwith Tramway, Buttermere and Brackenthwaite Parish

Concurrent Creation and Extinguishment Orders – Bridleways 220062, 212008, 212089, 212090, 212091 and 212092, Honister Old Toll Road, and Footpath 212044, Buttermere and Brackenthwaite, and Borrowdale Parishes

Creation of Footpath 407058 to the south-east of Ennerdale Water, Ennerdale & Kinniside Parish

Diversion of bridleway and footpaths at Woundell Beck, Ennerdale and Kinniside Parish

Creation Agreements

Creation of Public Bridleway 544042, Deerbolts Wood to Penny Rock Woods, Lakes: Rydal & Loughrigg Parish