Maintaining Rights of Way

Both Hampshire County Council and landowners have responsibilities regarding the Rights of Way network.

Hampshire County Council

• Ensures that Rights of Way are not obstructed
• Maintains the surface in a fit condition for its intended use
• Maintains some bridges
• Signposts and waymarks paths
• Authorises stiles and gates
• Keeps the definitive map up to date

Landowners

• Keep back side growth and overhanging vegetation
• Reinstate path across fields after ploughing or planting crops
• Maintain most stiles and gates
• Should not obstruct paths or deter use of them
• Should not plough paths at field edges
• Sould not keep dangerous animals (including certain bulls) on paths

The County Council can provide small amounts of Grant funding to landowners to improve access to their land.