The results of the 2006-2007 assessment, which looked at the ease-of-use of footpaths and rights-of-way in England and Wales has just been published by the Audit Commission, and has been immediately backed up by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy who are calling on councils to maintain all footpaths as it encourages people to take more exercise.  Click here to read their press release.

The average across all English Authorities was 76.3%. In England, the best performing region was London (92%) whilst West Midlands at 55.9% was the worst. Wales is treated as one region with an average of 51%

Below are just some of the results of some areas where walking is particularly popular:
• West Sussex 98.0%
• Devon 93.5%
• Gloucestershire 79.2%
• Dorset 70.0%
• Cheshire 76.9%
• North Yorkshire 74.8%
• Oxfordshire 74.0%
• Lancashire 72.0%
• Northumberland 72.0%
• Durham 71.3%
• Cumbria 52.2%
• Herefordshire 48%
• Cornwall 39.0%
• Gwynedd 37.0%
• Powys 37.0%

Click here for the full spreadsheet of results

The data was collected from every Highway Authority, who calculated the percentage of the total length of footpaths and rights-of-way under their control that are 'easy to use'.

Definition of ‘easy to use’:

 - Signposted where they leave the road in accordance with section 27 of the Countryside Act 1968 and to the extent necessary to allow users to follow the path

- Free from unlawful obstructions or other interference, (including overhanging vegetation) to the public’s right of passage

- Surface and lawful barriers (e.g. stiles, gates) in good repair and to a standard necessary to enable the public to use the way without undue inconvenience

However, some have suggested that one issue with this report is that even when paths are easy to follow (paved, signed etc), as they are not formal PROW’s they don’t count; where as a PROW that is not well-used and is of lesser quality would count and therefore would lower an authorities score.  Also, even a very minor obstruction such as vegetation means a path does not qualify meaning many rural areas have low results.

That said, there is clearly a case for increasing the investment in the maintenance of footpaths, especially as walking is so beneficial to health and well-being. 


Why don't you tell us what you think by joining our 'walking network' and starting a discussion in one of our forums?