Cornwall has 4,500 km of public rights of way. It also has the longest section of the South West Coast Path National Trail. They remain open for the public to use:
- to get to work, school, college or university
- to get to medical appointments
- to exercise or to get to outdoor public spaces
- to get to shops for basic necessities
- to visit members of their support bubble
Some people who are self-isolating have specific concerns about paths crossing their land. However, it is both impractical and undesirable to permanently close or divert sections of path in these circumstance. There are no powers to divert public rights of way on a temporary basis because of the risk of spreading coronavirus. When using public rights of way, please respect the fears of landowners who may have family members who are at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Refrain from approaching them without their express permission. It is better when crossing land which forms the curtilage of a domestic or business property to pass through quickly. With minimum disturbance of residents.
Cornwall Council emphasises that people must follow the Government’s guidelines about travel. You may make a short journey for the purpose of undertaking exercise. People are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible. To plan ahead and avoid busy time and routes on public transport. Large groups of people using popular sections of the Coast Path and other public rights of way risk spreading the virus.
There are three simple actions which we must all do to keep on protecting each other. Wash Hands, Cover Face, Make Space
Please see our Public Rights of Way and COVID-19 page for further information.
This page will display updated latest news relating to public rights of way and events.
Cornwall Countryside Access Forum 2020 Recruitment Information
Information about joining the Cornwall Countryside Access Forum has been temporarily taken down. We regret we are not currently in a position to continue with the 2020 recruitment to the Forum. We intend to recommence the recruitment as soon as we are able. At this point we do not know when this will be. We will update this page when we have more information. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Public Path Orders
Made Orders under Highways Act 1980 Town and Country Planning Act 1990
The Cornwall Council (Footpath No.16 (Part) St Austell Bay) (South West Coast Path National Trail) (Land Situated South of Coastguard Cottages, Charlestown) Public Path Diversion Order 2022. Made by Cornwall Council on 17th February 2022. Cornwall Council hereby gives notice of the making of the Order
The Cornwall Council (Footpath No.16 (Part) St Austell Bay) (South West Coast Path National Trail) (Land Situated South of Coastguard Cottages, Charlestown) Public Path Extinguishment Order 2022. Made by Cornwall Council on 17th February 2022. Cornwall Council hereby gives notice of the making of the Order.
The Cornwall Council Public Footpath No. 38 'Hawkesview' St Stephen in Brannel Public Path Extinguishment Order 2021. Made by Cornwall Council on 11th February 2021. Cornwall Council hereby gives notice of the making of the Order
The Cornwall Council Public Footpath No. 38 'Hawkesview' St Stephen in Brannel Public Path Creation Order 2021. Made by Cornwall Council on 11th February 2021. Cornwall Council hereby gives notice of the making of the Order.
The Cornwall Council Public Footpaths No. 42 (Part) and No. 44 (Part) Mawgan in Pydar 'Fair Rising' Trenance Diversion Order 2020. Made by Cornwall Council on 19 November 2020. Cornwall Council hereby gives notice of the making of the Order.
View Made Orders with active consultations
Last updated: 22 February 2022
Operative Orders under Highways Act 1980 Town and Country Planning Act 1990
The Cornwall Council Public Footpath No. 25 Redruth (Part) Public Path Extinguishment Order 2020 was confirmed as an unopposed order by Cornwall Council on 25 August 2020. The order became operative on 25 August 2020.
Public Path Order Decisions
The documentation for Public Path Order decisions. Published to the Public Path Order Application Decisions page.
The delegated officer decision, report and appendices for HAD 235. 'Application for the Proposed Diversion of Part of Footpath No. 22 in the Parish of St Agnes' was published on 07 November 2017.
Submissions to the Secretary of State
Made Orders which received objections and have been submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for determination.
Last updated: 17 January 2020
Confirmed Orders under Highways Act 1980 Town and Country Planning Act 1990
View Confirmed Orders which have yet to become operative since 13 July 2015
Last updated: 19 April 2021
Public Path and Definitive Map Modification Order Register
Public Path and Definitive Map Modification Orders that have become operative since 13 July 2015. After a period of 6 weeks from the date of coming into force, they will be placed in the Public Path and Definitive Map Modification Order Register page.
Last updated: 23 February 2021
Definitive Map
2026 Restoring the Record
Information on Restoring the Record and Rights of Way.
Submissions to the Secretary of State
Orders subject to outstanding objections which have been sent to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation. Cornwall Council’s Statement of Case to proposed modifications to the Order (ROW-3213248) has been added for WCA 586 St Allen.
Last updated: 30 October 2020
Definitive Map Modification Order Reports
The documentation for current Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) reports. Published to the DMMO Reports pages.
The report, appendices and delegated officer decision for WCA 749 Cornwall Council report of 'Application for a Modification Order to Add a Restricted Byway at Hewas Water in St Mewan CP' Published on 14 January 2022
Definitive Map Modification Order Application Register
On 11 April 2020 Cornwall Council received a Modification Order application for the addition of a restricted byway to the Definitive Map (WCA 729) at Cambrose, Redruth CP. This application has been added to the Register.
On 11 April 2020 Cornwall Council received a Modification Order application for the addition of a restricted byway & upgrade of a footpath to a restricted byway to the Definitive Map (WCA 728) at North Country, Redruth CP. This application has been added to the Register.
On 24 April 2018 Cornwall Council received a Modification Order application for the addition of a bridleway to the Definitive Map (WCA 723) at Draynes Common, St Neot CP. This application has been added to the Register.
On 24 April 2018 Cornwall Council received a Modification Order application for the addition of a bridleway to the Definitive Map (WCA 722) at Carpuan Farm, St Neot CP. This application has been added to the Register.
On 11 August 2020 Cornwall Council received a Modification Order application for the addition of a footpath to the Definitive Map (WCA 727) at Trannack Quarry, Sithney and Wendron CPs. This application has been added to the Register.
Definitive Map Made Orders
View Made Definitive Map Orders
Last updated: 22 February 2022
Submissions to the Secretary of State
View Orders subject to outstanding objections which have been sent to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for confirmation. Cornwall Council's Statement of Case (ROW-3213248) has been added for WCA 586 St Allen.
Last updated: 17 January 2019
Landowner Statements
The public register of landowner statements deposited under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act 1980 and Section 15A(1) of the Commons Act 2006 is now available, Landowner Statements Register. For guidance and help please see Landowner Statements Register Help.
View Notices of Highways Statements & Declarations and Landowner Statements.
Last updated: 25 January 2022
Need help?
Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.
- Countryside Access Team (Environment)
- countryside@cormacltd.co.uk
