Cornwall Council Seeks Public Feedback on Future of Footpaths and Bridleways

Public asked to help shape the future of Cornwall’s 4,500km rights of way network

Cornwall Council is asking residents, visitors and businesses to share their thoughts on how the Duchy’s footpaths, bridleways and byways are used – and how they could be improved.

The council is preparing its Rights of Way Improvement Plan, a 10-year strategy to protect and enhance Cornwall’s vast Public Rights of Way network, which spans over 4,500km across coastline, moorland and countryside.

To help shape the plan, people are being invited to complete a short survey on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website. The survey is open until 28th September 2025.

Why your feedback matters

The council wants to better understand how people use footpaths, bridleways and byways, and what barriers might be stopping some from accessing them. This includes issues faced by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and people with mobility challenges or sensory impairments.

Councillor Loic Rich, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said:

“Our Public Rights of Way enable us to explore some of the best and most beautiful parts of Cornwall and help us to be active outdoors, which is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing.

“The Rights of Way Improvement Plan must balance the needs of everyone including walkers, horse riders, cyclists, and people with mobility challenges or sensory impairments.

“That’s why it’s so important we hear from as many people as possible so we can improve our public rights of ways for one and all.”

How to take part

The survey is live now and will remain open until 28th September 2025. To take part, visit: https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/rowip

Cornwall’s Public Rights of Way network not only connects communities but also provides access to some of the most scenic and iconic parts of the Duchy — and now is your chance to help influence how it’s protected for the next decade.