This consultation runs from Thursday 22 May to Tuesday 14 August 2025.
Leicestershire County Council is responsible for over 1915 miles (3084km) of public rights of way, including paths in both the countryside and urban areas. They are important for leisure, travelling to work or school and health and wellbeing. They’re part of what makes Leicestershire a special place to live, work and thrive.
Although Leicestershire’s rights of way network has developed over hundreds of years, we recognise that it must meet the current and future needs of the public. Every council that is responsible for public rights of way must have a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).
In February 2025 Leicestershire County Council invited stakeholders and the public to give us their views in order to help us to make sure that our new Rights of Way Improvement Plan meets the needs of communities within Leicestershire.
What is a public right of way?
A right of way is a public highway that anyone, by law, has the right to use. There are 4 types:
- Footpaths for walking, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
- Bridleways for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
- Restricted byways for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs and horse-drawn carriages
- Byways for all modes including motorised vehicles
Have your say
We now have a draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan, informed by the feedback received and our findings. Engagement continues to be an important part of this process, and we would like to hear your views on our draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan and associated Action Plan below. Your input will help us to make sure that our new Rights of Way Improvement Plan meets the needs of communities within Leicestershire.
Contact us
If you would like the survey in an alternative format, have any questions, or want to learn more about the project, please email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk FAO: Jessica Herbert.