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Search any UK location to check for footpaths, bridleways and byways crossing or near a site before you buy, plan or develop.
Updated: quarterly as authorities revise their definitive maps · Last checked by Maplify: July 2026
This layer maps public rights of way recorded on each local highway authority's definitive map — the legal record of footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic across England and Wales. It also includes CRoW Act open access land, covering roughly 865,000 hectares of mountain, moor, heath, down and common land, and National Trails such as the England Coast Path, South West Coast Path, Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall Path.
Each route type carries a different level of public access: footpaths permit pedestrians only, bridleways add cyclists and horse riders, restricted byways add horse-drawn vehicles, and byways open to all traffic permit motor vehicles, though many are unsuitable for vehicles in practice.
A right of way crossing a property gives the public a legal right to pass over that route regardless of who owns the land, and landowners must not obstruct it — enforcement action can follow if they do. Buyers and developers check this layer because a footpath running close to or through a garden can reduce value, commonly cited in the range of 5–15%, and because a right of way crossing a development site needs to be formally diverted or incorporated into the design, not simply built over.
Diverting a right of way is a formal legal process under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act, typically taking 6–18 months and costing £5,000–£20,000 in legal and surveyor fees, so identifying an affected route early avoids late-stage surprises in a development programme.
Public Footpath
Pedestrians only — cycling, horse riding and motor vehicles not allowed.
Bridleway
Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders — motor vehicles not allowed (except mobility vehicles).
Restricted Byway
Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles — mechanically propelled vehicles not allowed.
Byway Open to All Traffic
Everyone, including motor vehicles, though many are unsuitable for vehicles in practice.
A right of way crossing a proposed development site must be retained, diverted through a formal legal process, or incorporated into the scheme layout — it cannot simply be built over or obstructed. Diversion orders under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act require consultation and confirmation by the local authority, and objections from users or amenity groups can extend the process significantly.
CRoW open access land carries its own access rights separate from the definitive rights of way network, and development affecting access land needs to consider both the right of way network and the wider open access designation together.
Confirm the exact route classification and status with the local highway authority's definitive map.
If a route crosses a proposed development footprint, apply for a diversion order early given the 6–18 month timescale.
Design layouts that retain or appropriately incorporate rights of way rather than obstructing them.
Check for CRoW open access land status separately, since this is not always the same as a mapped right of way.
Check the wider Planning Constraints and Green Belt layers for the same site for the fuller picture.
This is general guidance, not professional or legal advice — confirm specifics with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Property Developers
Identify diversion requirements early in the site feasibility process.
Planning Consultants
Advise on the section 257 diversion process and timescales.
Architects
Design layouts that retain or incorporate rights of way appropriately.
Surveyors
Flag rights of way affecting privacy or value during property surveys.
Landowners
Understand access obligations before commissioning fencing or land management works.
Solicitors
Confirm right of way status during conveyancing due diligence.
Rights of way checks are commonly run alongside these related layers.
How do I check if a footpath crosses my property?
Search the property on Maplify and enable the Public Rights of Way layer. Any footpath, bridleway or byway crossing the land will be shown, linked to the local authority's definitive map.
Can a landowner block a public right of way?
No. Landowners must not obstruct a right of way, and local authorities can enforce removal of any obstruction. Diversion is possible through a formal legal process, but simply blocking a route is not.
How does a footpath affect property value?
A public footpath running through a garden or close to a house can reduce value, commonly cited in the range of 5–15%, reflecting reduced privacy — buyers should factor this into offers.
Can I apply to divert a right of way?
Yes, under section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act, though diversion orders require consultation and confirmation, typically take 6–18 months and cost £5,000–£20,000 in legal and surveyor fees.
What is CRoW Act open access land?
Open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 allows walking across mountain, moor, heath, down and common land — around 865,000 hectares in England — separate from the definitive rights of way network.
How current is the rights of way data?
Definitive map data is sourced from all 152 local highway authorities in England and Wales and refreshed quarterly as authorities record changes.
Open the map, generate a site report or save your search to come back to it later.
| Provider | 152 Local Highway Authorities / Natural England |
| Geometry type | Line (routes), Polygon (access land) |
| Coverage | England and Wales |
| Update schedule | Quarterly check against local authority definitive maps |
| Reference date | July 2026 |
| Licence | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
