Cardiff has 200km of public rights of way and bridleways. We are responsible for making sure that the routes are properly mapped and maintained.
A public right of way and highway both mean a way over which the public have a right to pass and repass. Please note some of the paths may have private access rights (i.e. vehicle or equestrian access).
In Cardiff, we have categories of paths which are registered on the Definitive Map:
- Footpaths are a right of way for walkers.
- Bridleways are a right of way for walkers, horse riders (including the right to lead horses) and cyclists. Cyclists must give way to other users.
Not all the paths on the Ordnance Survey map are public rights of way. Please make sure you check the Definitive Map. There are other types of paths which are not on the Definitive Map, such as:
- Adopted highways are public maintained highways which have more maintenance than a standard public right of way.
- Permissive paths are paths that the landowner has given specific permission for public use.
- Green lane is used as a description of lanes that are vegetated underfoot or enclosed by hedges. It has no legal meaning.
Reporting a problem
You can tell us about a problem on a public right of way, such as:
- Issues with a signpost or stile,
- Overgrown vegetation,
- Issues or obstructions on a path,
- Problems with trees, or
- Dangerous animals.
We are responsible for path surfaces, signage, and making sure the routes are open for the public to use and enjoy. We will contact the landowner if an issue has been reported that they are responsible for.
