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.  The map below shows the current network, and indicates where consultations are live for potential changes, along with current orders open for objections and representations, along with orders confirmed since 1 April 2016.  These are listed in the tables below the map, 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

Creation of Bridleway 511095 - Swan Hotel to the Parks, Colton Parish

Creation of Footpath 407058 to the south-east of Ennerdale Water, Ennerdale & Kinniside Parish - Order will be determined by Secretary of State

Diversion of bridleway and footpaths at Woundell Beck, Ennerdale and Kinniside Parish - Order will be determined by Secretary of State

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 will be 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 will be submitted to Secretary of State to determine

Confirmed Orders

Diversion of  Footpath 201017, River Derwent Old Railway Bridge, How, Above Derwent Parish

Council Area: Cumberland

We have diverted a 50 metre section of footpath at NY 249 241 from the collapsed revetment at the base of the old railway bridge to a new line 10 metres to the west, over the old railway.

Objection and representation period: Six weeks from 8 December 2023

Link to Order, Notice and Site Notice

Remove from website: 8 June 2024

Creation of Public Bridleway 511096, High Stott Park to North Camp YMCA, Colton Parish

Council Area: Westmorland and Furness

We have entered into an agreement with the landowners to create a bridleway alongside the C5026 from just north of High Stott Park (SD 372 887) to the northern boundary of YMCA North Camp (SD 373 899).

Date agreement effective: 21 September 2023

Link to Map

Remove from website: 30 March 2024

Various changes to rights of way network, Brotherilkeld, Eskdale Parish

Council Area: Cumberland

On 28 April 2023 the Secretary of State confirmed orders which have diverted, extinguished, and created footpaths at Brotherilkeld, Eskdale to reflect paths used on the ground, namely (as shown on Order plan):

• South of Brotherilkeld
  • Extinguished section of path 408032 shown in beck from NY 2120 0115 to NY 2118 0131.
• Brotherilkeld / Taw House
  • Moved path 408028 from farm (NY 2129 0143) to bridge (NY 2125 0149) to line slightly to south through yard (NY 2128 0142 - NY 2124 0147);
  • Created path 408092 across bridge and to Taw House - NY 2125 0149 to NY 2107 0157).
• Brotherilkeld northwards
  • Diverted path 408008 from field route between NY 2122 0140 and NY 2141 0180 to riverside route, and from there to NY 2148 0198 from riverside to top of old riverbank to the east;
  • Created path 408093 from NY 2148 0186 north-east to NY 2194 0235.
• North-east of Brotherilkeld
  • Diverted path 408029 heading south-east from NY 2140 0149 to new start point just north at NY 2142 0150, rejoining mapped route at NY 2143 0144;
  • Diverted path 408032 heading northwards from NY 2142 0150 to NY 2237 0284 to new route following used line ending at NY 2226 0273.

The routes in current use will now form the rights of way network in this area.

Objection and representation period- Six weeks from 12 July 2023

Notice, Orders (Diversion, Creation and Extinguishment), Order Plan and Planning Inspector's decision letter

Remove from website 13 January 2024