Outdoor Partnerships The Definitive Map
The Definitive Map and Statement are the legal record of rights of way in Shropshire and are maintained by the Rights of Way Team.
The map shows public footpaths, public bridleways, restricted byways, and byways open to all traffic (BOATs). The inclusion of a right of way on the map is conclusive evidence of the existence of that right of way, no matter its physical state. It should be noted that other rights of way not shown on the map may exist. Applications stating that the map is in error and seeking to record other claimed rights of way are regularly submitted to the team.
The statement is a brief written description of the rights of way shown on the map. Not all rights of way shown on the map currently have an entry in the statement.
On 1 February 2020, Shropshire Council revised the Definitive Map and Statement under the provisions of section 57(3) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This was the first revision of the map and statement since September 1965. The revised map is at a scale of 1:10,000.
Viewing the Definitive Map and Statement
You can view the Definitive Map and Statement during normal office hours, Monday to Friday, at Shrewsbury Library. There's no charge for this service. To make an appointment to view the map and statement please email the Rights of Way team: outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk.
Amending the Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map and Statement can only be amended through a legal order. Amendments can be made based on evidence (modification orders), on preference (public path orders), or where rights of way are affected by development (public path orders), as detailed in our guidance notes. The application forms for these processes can be found on our application forms page.
Online Rights of Way Map
The digital working copy of the map includes any amendments that have been made to the Definitive Map as a result of confirmed public path and modification orders since February 2020.
Please note that this online map is for information only. Although the information displayed on it is regularly updated, it's not the legal record. Therefore, if accurate information is needed, the only truly reliable source is to view the Definitive Map at Shrewsbury Library, or to conduct a formal search. Formal searches can be completed directly through the Rights of Way Team or via a Con29 land charge search. Such searches can be submitted via our land searches pages.