Cornwall Council, as the Highways Authority, is responsible for the management of public rights of way in Cornwall. In addition to the responsibilities of the Council, landowners and the public also have rights and responsibilities.
Cornwall Council rights and responsibilities
Cornwall Council's responsibility includes asserting and protecting the public's rights to use public rights of way.
Public rights and responsibilities
What you can and can't take with you on a public right of way, when you may deviate from the line of the path and what vegetation you may trim back to clear a path.
Landowner rights and responsibilities
Landowners and occupiers have responsibilities for public rights of way on their land in Cornwall. This includes:
- ploughing or cultivating paths that cross fields
- maintaining the width of the path
- electric fences
- obstructions on paths
Dogs are considered a usual accompaniment on a public path but must be kept under close control by their owner or keeper.
The public must not be exposed to the risk of receiving any shock from an electric fence. Any electric fence which crosses or borders a public right of way must be clearly identified as being electrified.
Landowners must not put up a new stile or gate on a public right of way unless they have formal authorisation by the Highway Authority
Farmers must meet with certain conditions when ploughing or sowing crops where a path crosses a field.
Motorised vehicles may use byways by law.
