Public Rights of Way

The Coast and Countryside Section manages over 2500 km of public paths in Ceredigion. Public paths are shown on the Definitive Map and Statement.

How do I know where Public Rights of Way are?

For general information on public rights of way you can look at Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 "Explorer" maps however they do not show the definitive legal line and status of routes. If you require accurate information on the precise line and status of a route, then you should inspect the Definitive Map.

The Definitive Map is the legal record of public rights of way and is held by Ceredigion County Council at their head office at Penmorfa, Aberaeron, and can be inspected by the public during office hours. No prior appointment is necessary, but you are advised to contact the Public Rights of Way (Definitive Map) Officer beforehand on 01545 572316 /2315 to ensure an Officer is at hand to help you with your inquiry.

If you are a legal representative such as a solicitor acting on behalf of a client, written requests for specific searches need to be sent to our Land Charges Department in the first instance. If you have further questions relating to detail on the Definitive Map these should be directed to the Public Rights of Way (Definitive Map) Officer. Please note there is currently a £15 charge per question (2011- 2012).

In addition to the Definitive Map an online interactive map of public rights of way is now available to view here. Please note the interactive map is NOT the Definitive Map and is for general information purposes only and may be open to minor error and is only visible down to 1:10,000. If you need accurate information regarding a specific route/s you should make an appointment to view the Definitive Map or speak to an officer on 01545 572315/316.

What about Private rights?

The County Council does not hold records of private rights of access or "easements". If you have any issues with private rights then where appropriate you should inspect your property deeds and seek legal advice.

The Definitive Map / Public Right of Way Registers\| Public Rights of Way are recorded on the Definitive Map which the County Council is legally obliged to maintain and update. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires local authorities to maintain registers relating to public rights of way applications, declarations and associated documents.	Path Management\| Public rights of way provide one of the main means by which people can access and enjoy the countryside.
Ceredigion Rights of Way Improvement Plan\| Ceredigion County Council has produced a Rights of Way Improvement Plan has which has set out its vision for the public path network over the next 10 years.	Coastal Access Improvement Programme\| The Council is engaged in a programme to enhance coastal access in Ceredigion, forming part of a wider all-Wales initiative.
Cambrian Mountains Exemplar Project\| A partnership team comprising the Countryside Council for Wales, Powys, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion County Councils was set up in 2007 to look at the management of mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) in the Cambrian Mountains. The Forestry Commission subsequently joined the Partnership.

The Definitive Map / Public Right of Way Registers\| Public Rights of Way are recorded on the Definitive Map which the County Council is legally obliged to maintain and update. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires local authorities to maintain registers relating to public rights of way applications, declarations and associated documents.	Path Management\| Public rights of way provide one of the main means by which people can access and enjoy the countryside.
Ceredigion Rights of Way Improvement Plan\| Ceredigion County Council has produced a Rights of Way Improvement Plan has which has set out its vision for the public path network over the next 10 years.	Coastal Access Improvement Programme\| The Council is engaged in a programme to enhance coastal access in Ceredigion, forming part of a wider all-Wales initiative.
Cambrian Mountains Exemplar Project\| A partnership team comprising the Countryside Council for Wales, Powys, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion County Councils was set up in 2007 to look at the management of mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs) in the Cambrian Mountains. The Forestry Commission subsequently joined the Partnership.