Public rights of way
We are responsible for the mapping, management and enforcement of public rights of way and work with farmers and other landowners to ensure access is not affected.
Rights of way are classified according to the nature of their use:
- Footpath - foot only
- Bridleway - foot, cycle or horseback
- Restricted Byway - foot, cycle, horseback or carriage
- Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) - foot, cycle, horseback or motor vehicle
A 'permissive path' is where the landowner allows the public access but may close the path occasionally.
Public rights of way are recorded on Definitive Maps. The original copies of these maps can be viewed by appointment at County Offices and remain the legal document for Public Rights of Way in Lincolnshire.
The Electronic Working Copy map shows public rights of way as they are recorded today following any additions, diversions or extinguishments. This should not be considered to be the legal document.
Rights of way can only be closed with our permission. The Temporary Closures register records planned closures where a right of way will be affected by works.
Livestock can be kept in fields crossed by rights of way. The exception is bulls on their own if over 10 months old. Beef bulls are allowed if kept with cows, however, dairy breed bulls are not.
Farmers, landowners, and the county council work together to maintain and manage rights of way.
Whilst in the countryside please act responsibly and follow the Countryside Code.
Electronic working copy definitive map
The electronic working copy is a representation of the original Definitive Map with all subsequent alterations taken into account.
It should be noted that this map is NOT the Definitive Map (legal record) and, that whilst every effort to attain accuracy in translation from the original paper mapping has been made, no liability is accepted for any errors particularly when viewed at scales greater than the original mapping.
We apply a working presumption that routes on the list of streets have public vehicular rights. Legislation has extinguished the rights of motorists if these are also shown as a:
- public footpath
- public bridleway
- restricted byway
You can zoom to a location on the map, or search for an address however rights of way on the electronic working copy map will only be displayed between 1:2,500 and 1:250,000.
Individual path numbers can be found by selecting the individual right of way using your left mouse button.
For licensing reasons we are no longer able to provide information on permissive paths and other areas of countryside access in the way we used to.
Report a problem
If you find a problem with using an existing public right of way then let us know.
Report a problem
Request a change
Definitive Map Modification Orders
Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMO) are made to record public rights of way which are not shown on the Definitive Map. They can also delete any route proved not to exist.
Each application is processed on a ‘date received’ basis unless there are extenuating circumstances.
The DMMO priorities list shows current applications in order of their priority.
Public Path Orders
Public Path Orders are for a diversion, closure, or a new path.
Administrative costs are chargeable. These charges may be waived if the proposal offers substantial benefit.
No charge is made for considering whether an application can be accepted.
For further information on creating a right of way email countryside_access@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 782070.
Request land protection
A landowner can apply for a:
- Highways statement or declaration to protect their land against public rights of way being established by public use.
- Landowner statement to end any use of their land by local inhabitants for lawful sports and pastimes. This may then protect against it being registered as a town or village green.
We charge a fee for the registration of an application. For the fee to be calculated, please email a map to countryside_access@lincolnshire.gov.uk. On the map:
- show the extent of the land that will be subject to an application
- specify the type of statement or declaration you will be making
For further information, email countryside_access@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 782070.
Search the register of landowner deposits
View notices of applications recently lodged with the county council.
Temporary closures
Rights of way can only be closed with permission from the County Council. Closures are usually only for short periods of time in the interest of public safety when works are taking place in the proximity.
Temporary Closures of Rights of Way
Fees and charges
Landowner statements and declarations
Landowner deposits: Highways Act Section 31(6)
| Service description | 2024-25 fee |
|---|---|
| Receipt and processing of deposited map and statement (of any size) | £135 |
| Fee for each additional unconnected land parcel | £17 |
| Receipt and processing of declaration that follows an initial deposited map and statement within four weeks | £41 |
| Receipt and processing of declaration that follows an initial deposited map and statement (once deposit already registered) | £90 |
Landowner deposits: Commons Act 2006, Section 15(a) Landowner Statements (or combined Highways Act 1980 and Commons Act 2006 deposit)
| Service description | 2024-25 fee |
|---|---|
| Receipt and processing of deposited map and statement (of any size), including site visit and up to two notices | £251 |
| Fee for each additional unconnected land parcel | £34 |
Public path orders (PPOs) - excluding 'right to apply' applications
| Stage | Service description | 2024-25 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stage one: pre-application advice (optional) | Provision of advice to the applicant and site visit to discuss the proposal. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£220 |
| Stage two: application processing and initial consultation | Application processing, land ownership checks, site survey, provision of work estimates, preparation of draft plan and and undertaking of informal consultations. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1,085 |
| Stage three: PPO preparation and publication | Final clarification of route with applicant, drafting of order, sealing of order, advertising notice in local press, posting notices on site, receive, record and acknowledge responses to the advertising of the notice. | £1116 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
| Stage four: PPO confirmation | Confirm and seal the order, advertise confirmation in local press, post notices on site. | £923 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
| Current PPOs - cost for making a route available for public use | Works required to make the route available for public use. | Full cost recovery |
Public path orders 'right to apply (RtA)' applications - subject to regulations
| Stage | Service description | 2024-25 fee |
|---|---|---|
| RtA stage one: pre-application advice (optional) | Provision of advice to the applicant and site visit to discuss the proposal | £220 |
| RtA stage two: application processing and initial consultation | Application processing, land ownership checks, site survey, provision of work estimates, preparation of draft plan and and undertaking of informal consultations. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1,085 |
| RtA stage three: PPO preparation and publication | Final clarification of route with applicant, drafting of order, sealing of order, advertising notice in local press, posting notices on site, receive, record and acknowledge responses to the advertising of the notice. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1116 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
| RtA stage four (opposed orders): negotiation of withdrawal of objections | Attempt withdrawal of objections, consideration of forwarding order to Planning Inspectorate, preparation of a decision report. | £298 |
| RtA stage five: (opposed orders): preparation of case and referral to planning inspectorate (estimated time) | Preparation of various documents for a public inquiry or formal hearing. | £800 |
| RtA stage six: (opposed orders): presentation of case to planning inspectorate at public inquiry | Representation at public inquiry or formal hearing. | Full cost recovery (POA) |
| RtA stage seven: PPO confirmation | Confirm and seal the order, advertise confirmation in local press, post notices on site. | £923 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
Enforcement
| Service description | 2024-25 fee |
|---|---|
| Area maintenance team costs (per hour inclusive of equipment and vehicle costs) | £79 |
| Senior public rights of way officer charge out rate (per hour) | £41.75 |
| Public rights of way officer charge out rate (per hour) | £30.11 |
Lincolnshire Joint Local Access Forum
The Local Access Forum (LAF) is a statutory, independent body covering areas of Lincolnshire County Council and North East Lincolnshire Council. It advises the councils and other organisations on how to improve public access to outdoor recreation and sustainable travel.
The LAF sets its own priorities to reflect local issues and responds to consultations and draft policy documents. When making recommendations LAF members consider land use as well as the need to conserve flora, fauna, geological and physical features.
Membership
The LAF is made up of volunteers who provide a balanced view of access issues. Members represent:
- users of local rights of way such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- landowners, land managers and occupiers
- other interests including conservation, tourism, health and the rural economy
You can find a list of current members here.
Meetings
Meetings are held twice a year. Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings as observers but only LAF members can participate in the discussions. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.
You can find information on past and future meetings here.
Join the Forum
New members can be appointed by Lincolnshire County Council. The forum is open to anyone who has an interest in rights of way, such as walkers, horse riders and landowners. The forum aims to be representative of as wide a cross-section of society as possible.
There are currently vacancies for landowners, farmers and land managers. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact democraticservices@lincolnshire.gov.uk.