Public Rights of Way

Although the right of way itself is protected and accessible to all, in most cases the surrounding land will be privately owned, and often working farmland. 

The landowner may have private access rights, such as the right to use a tractor or car on a route.  It is important to stick to the right of way, which will be clearly marked.
 

The Definitive Map

Public Rights of Way (PRoW) are protected by law and can only be altered by legal order. The Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way, together with a document called the Definitive Statement, lists the precise location of all PRoWs within Essex.

Essex County Council, as the surveying authority for the county of Essex, maintain and update the Definitive Map and Definitive Statement.
 

PRoW interactive map

 You can see an interactive map of Public Rights of Way on the Essex Highways website. 

It is not the statutory Definitive Map which is held at County Hall. 

We also keep a copy of the map of PRoW in the district.
 

Local walks

The Essex Rights of Way team have put together details of two local walks in the Uttlesford District.

Aubrey Buxton

Despite being close to the M11 and Stansted Airport, Essex Wildlife Trust's Aubrey Buxton reserve and the surrounding farmland covers a wide variety of habitats from meadows to rolling landscapes with pleasant views.

Aubrey Buxon walk

Manuden

A four mile winter walk in and around the pretty village of Manuden. The route uses hard road surfaces for much of the way so it can be walked even in the wet weather.

Manuden walk using PRoW

Additional information

► Public Rights of Way - Essex County Council