Welcome to the Public Rights of Way section of Middlesbrough Council's website.

Middlesbrough Council has 38 Km of registered Public Footpaths and Public Bridleways on the Definitive Map and as the Highway Authority, it is responsible for maintaining the Local Rights of Way Network, and keeping the Definitive Map up to date.

What are Public Rights of Way?

Public Rights of Way are both a significant part of our heritage and a major recreational resource.  They enable people to get away from roads used mainly by motor vehicles and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of large parts of the countryside to which they would not otherwise have access.  They are becoming more important as increase in the volume and speed of traffic are turning many once quiet roads into unpleasant and sometimes dangerous places for walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

In rural areas this network allows people to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside away from the less desirable busy roads and allows them to reach areas they would not otherwise have access to. In urban areas it provides useful shortcuts away from main roads.

What is Local Access Network?

Middlesbrough's Public Rights of Way however, makes up only part of the Local Access Network, the rest is made up of Permissive Paths, Cycle Tracks and Footpath Cycleways. All of which help to provided a safe off road network for the public to enjoy the tranquil countryside and historic Middlesbrough landscape by horse, cycle or foot.

Want to know more:

• What makes up the local access network?
• Where can I walk, ride and cycle?
• Rights of Way Improvement plan
• Definitive Map Modification Order Register
• Report a problem