Public Rights of Way (Footpaths)
There are many footpaths though fields in our community.
The Definitive Map and Statement (DMS)was created under the terms of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and marks all Public Rights of Way.
It was published after consultation between the county council, community councils, landowners and members of the public and today forms a legal record of the public rights – footpaths, bridleways, byways and restricted byways – that exist in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Definitive Map shows the routes of public rights of way and the Definitive Statement provides a written record of each route.
The DMS comprise a very important document. If a route is shown on the DMS then that is legal – conclusive – evidence that the public have those rights and retain them still, unless there has been a legally authorised change.
The Definitive Map and Statement (DMS)was created under the terms of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and marks all Public Rights of Way.
It was published after consultation between the county council, community councils, landowners and members of the public and today forms a legal record of the public rights – footpaths, bridleways, byways and restricted byways – that exist in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Definitive Map shows the routes of public rights of way and the Definitive Statement provides a written record of each route.
The DMS comprise a very important document. If a route is shown on the DMS then that is legal – conclusive – evidence that the public have those rights and retain them still, unless there has been a legally authorised change.
Management
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is responsible for the management of the public rights of way network in the county and is assisted by the volunteers of the charity Valeways.
There are a considerable range of issues to address including vegetation growth, signposting and waymarking, repair and replacement of bridges, blocked paths, stiles and gates in need of repair and drainage and surfacing problems.
There are a considerable range of issues to address including vegetation growth, signposting and waymarking, repair and replacement of bridges, blocked paths, stiles and gates in need of repair and drainage and surfacing problems.
Responsibilities of the Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Signposting paths where they leave a metalled road
- Waymarking along the route of paths
- Clearance of undergrowth i.e. natural vegetation growing through the path surface
- Maintenance of most bridges and ditch crossings
- Ensuring landowners and occupiers comply with their responsibilities
Responsibilities of Landowners & Farmers
- Maintenance of stiles and gates
- Clearance of overgrowth i.e. vegetation growing from the sides or above
- Re-instatement of paths after ploughing
- Keeping paths clear of crops
- Making sure they don't obstruct paths in other ways
Farmers must avoid ploughing a cross-field public path if they reasonably can. Where it is not possible to avoid ploughing a cross-field path, they may do so provided the footpath or bridleway is reinstated within 14 days of the first disturbance and within 24 hours of any subsequent disturbance.
Farmers must leave, or reinstate a footpath, to a width of between 1m and 1.8m across a field. The line of the path clearly indicated on the ground.
All the legal requirements are set out by the Highways Act 1980 as amended by the Rights of Way Act 1990.
Rights of way widths
Cross-field footpath
- Minimum width 1 metre
- Maximum width 1.8 metres
- Minimum width 1.5 metres
- Maximum width 1.8 metres
Dos and Don'ts of Public Rights of Way
• Footpaths
This public right of way is meant for pedestrians only. You are allowed to walk your dog as long as it is under your close control. When walking a dog, you must ensure that it keeps to the public footpath and does not trespass into nearby properties. Prams, pushchair or wheelchairs can also be used on a footpath.
• Bridleways
These are meant for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Cyclists are expected to give way to walkers and horse riders.
This public right of way is meant for pedestrians only. You are allowed to walk your dog as long as it is under your close control. When walking a dog, you must ensure that it keeps to the public footpath and does not trespass into nearby properties. Prams, pushchair or wheelchairs can also be used on a footpath.
• Bridleways
These are meant for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Cyclists are expected to give way to walkers and horse riders.
The Countryside Code
Respect, protect, enjoy
Respect other people:
Respect other people:
- consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors
- park carefully so access to gateways and driveways are clear
- leave gates and property as you find them
- stick to the footpaths
- leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home
- be careful with BBQs, and don’t light fires
- keep dogs under effective control
- dog poo - bag it and bin it, or take it with you
- plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared
- follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures
The Dog Walking Code
For safe and happy walks with your dog, and to avoid causing problems for others:
1. Ensure your dog is under effective control, which means:
2. Prevent your dog from approaching horse riders, cyclists, or other people and their dogs uninvited.
3. Keep your dog with you on paths or access land and don’t let it stray into crops including fields of grass, fruit and vegetables.
4. Never let your dog worry or chase wildlife or livestock. Follow advice on local signs to reduce disturbance to plants and animals.
5. Stay SAFE around farm animals and horses:
S - stop, look and listen before entering a field; be aware of any animals present
A - always keep your dog on a short lead
F - find the safest route around animals, giving them plenty of space and using paths or access land where possible
E - exit the area calmly and quickly if threatened, releasing your dog to make it easier for you both to reach safety
6. Always bag and bin your dog’s poo wherever you are. You can use any public waste bin or your bin at home.
7. Never leave bags of dog poo lying around, even if you intend to pick them up later. Containers and deodorised bags can make them easier to carry.
8. Ensure your details are on your dog’s collar and it is microchipped, so you can be reunited quickly if it is lost.
9. Keep your dog’s vaccinations and worming up to date. Ask your vet for more information.
10. Contact Valeways, or look out for signs, to get more information about what to do and where to go around our community.
1. Ensure your dog is under effective control, which means:
- you have a short lead with you and use it when needed (e.g. around livestock, near cliff edges or where signage requests it)
- you do not let your dog off the lead unless you keep it in sight and close enough to come back to you on command
2. Prevent your dog from approaching horse riders, cyclists, or other people and their dogs uninvited.
3. Keep your dog with you on paths or access land and don’t let it stray into crops including fields of grass, fruit and vegetables.
4. Never let your dog worry or chase wildlife or livestock. Follow advice on local signs to reduce disturbance to plants and animals.
5. Stay SAFE around farm animals and horses:
S - stop, look and listen before entering a field; be aware of any animals present
A - always keep your dog on a short lead
F - find the safest route around animals, giving them plenty of space and using paths or access land where possible
E - exit the area calmly and quickly if threatened, releasing your dog to make it easier for you both to reach safety
6. Always bag and bin your dog’s poo wherever you are. You can use any public waste bin or your bin at home.
7. Never leave bags of dog poo lying around, even if you intend to pick them up later. Containers and deodorised bags can make them easier to carry.
8. Ensure your details are on your dog’s collar and it is microchipped, so you can be reunited quickly if it is lost.
9. Keep your dog’s vaccinations and worming up to date. Ask your vet for more information.
10. Contact Valeways, or look out for signs, to get more information about what to do and where to go around our community.
