Public rights of way (PRoW) are public highways and are protected by law in exactly the same manner as any other public highway, such as a high street or dual carriageway. They are recorded in a legal document called the definitive map and statement of public rights of way (DMS). In law, the DMS is conclusive evidence of the routes it shows. However, there may be higher rights (e.g. bridleway rights on a route shown as a footpath) or additional routes in existence which are not yet shown.
A path may not always be in the same position as the legal line of the path (as shown on the DMS) and may have a different width from that visible on the ground. It is therefore essential to check with us to find the true width and location of a PRoW.
Email: paths@warwickshire.gov.uk