Can’t walk where your map says you should be able to walk?
When you’re out walking you may sometimes come across a broken stile or overgrown hedge obstructing a footpath, or occasionally you might be blocked from walking on access land. By reporting these types of problems you’ll be helping out the next walker that comes along.
How to report the problem depends on where you’re walking – access rights to land are different in Scotland compared to England and Wales. Here’s what to do:
England and Wales
In England and Wales it’s the responsibility of the local council to make sure paths and access land are open and easy for walkers to use.
The body responsible for maintaining public rights of way and keeping them free from obstruction is called the Highway Authority. In practice, this is the county council or unitary authority.
If you've spotted an obstruction you can report the problem directly to your local council.
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Links to our local councils Rights of Way defect reporting processes:
West & North Northamptonshire Councils - Street Doctor
Borough of Bedford - Rights of Way
Milton Keynes - Rights of Way
Oxfordshire - Rights of Way
Warwickshire - Rights of Way
Leicestershire - Rights of Way
Bucks County Council - Rights of Way
Rutland County Council - Rights of Way
Scotland
If you've experienced a problem whilst out walking in Scotland:
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In Scotland, the legal situation is different, as walkers enjoy a right to roam on most land. Please report any problems in Scotland that you come across by contacting The Ramblers at email scotland@ramblers.org.uk and reporting the problem.
