CYMRAEG search COVID-19 (Coronavirus) For details on service changes visit our Coronavirus information and advice page. PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY Home / About the National Park / Access and Rights of Way / Public Rights of Way SHARE THIS Public rights of way include public footpath, bridleways and byways. They provide the best way to explore the coast and countryside of the National Park. Away from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, the network of public rights of way provides access to wooded valleys, moorland, hills and Daugleddau Estuary. In addition to the Coast Path there are over 800 km (500 miles) of public rights of way. The majority of public rights of way are classified as public footpaths, with bridleways representing 20% of the network. Many of today’s public footpaths, bridleways and byways evolved over the centuries as a means of communication in the countryside for people to get to work, school and chapel. Public rights of way are protected by legislation and they now provide a wide range of access opportunities to explore and enjoy the countryside. Unfortunately some paths have been neglected through a lack of use and maintenance since their registration in the 1950s. HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOOTBATH, BRIDLEWAY AND BYWAY The National Park Authority also puts up waymarkers along routes to help users follow the Path with confidence and avoid unintentional trespass. These follow a standard system used throughout England and Wales, using coloured arrows to show the direction of the Path. Yellow – footpaths – walkers only Blue – bridleways – walkers, cyclists and horse riders Red – byways – open to all traffic but mainly used by walkers and horse riders DEFINITIVE MAP OF PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY The Definitive Map is the register of public rights of way. It is a legal document and is accompanied by the Definitive Statement, which provides a written description of each route. These registration documents are held by Pembrokeshire County Council and together provide conclusive proof of the existence, route and status of all public rights of way in the county, including the National Park. The first Definitive Map was published in 1960. Pembrokeshire County Council is responsible for the continuous review of the Definitive Map. The consolidated Definitive Map accounts for all the legal changes (creations, diversions, reclassifications and deletions) that have occurred to public rights of way between 1956 and 2010. OTHER MAPS AND ADVICE Ordnance Survey maps make an excellent walking companion, as they show all public rights of way. The best maps for walkers and horse riders are the two Explorer Maps: OL 35 (North Pembrokeshire) and OL 36 (South Pembrokeshire) at a scale of 1:25,000. Remember that most of the paths in the National Park cross privately owned agricultural land. Please respect the Countryside Code and take special care if you are walking a dog in the vicinity of livestock. The Ramblers Association have advice on safe walking. If you want to contact us regarding the condition of a public path or a problem you have encountered when using public rights of way, please email us. MORE ON ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY IN THE NATIONAL PARK RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 places a duty on each highway authority to publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for their area. READ MORE ON RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN MAINTAINING THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH Pembrokeshire is unique in having such a special coastline that both a National Park and a National Trail have been created here. READ MORE ON MAINTAINING THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH PEMBROKESHIRE LOCAL ACCESS FORUM The Pembrokeshire Local Access Forum is a statutory body advising on the improvement of access to the countryside for recreation and enjoyment. READ MORE ON PEMBROKESHIRE LOCAL ACCESS FORUM BYELAWS These Byelaws apply to land owned or leased by the National Park Authority. This is around 2% of the National Park as a whole. County Council Byelaws ... READ MORE ON BYELAWS ACCESS TO OPEN COUNTRY On May 28 2005, the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 introduced a new Right of Access on foot to large areas of countryside in Wales. This right o... READ MORE ON ACCESS TO OPEN COUNTRY WALKING IN THE PARK With over 600 miles of public footpaths and bridleways, walking is an ideal way to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast’s scenery, wildlife and history. READ MORE ON GET IN TOUCH Contact us and register your details to get the latest updates on what's happening in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. CONTACT US National Park Office Llanion Park Pembroke Dock Pembrokeshire, SA72 6DY Tel: 01646 624800 Email: info@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk VISITING Plan your visit Access for All Carew Castle and Tidal Mill Castell Henllys Iron Age Village Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre QUICK LINKS About the National Park Authority About the National Park Planning Contact Us News Jobs Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Cookie Policy Sitemap © 2021 Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. Cookie settingsACCEPT