A definitive map is a record of public rights of way in England and Wales. In law it is the definitive record of where a right of way is located. The highway authority (normally the county council, or unitary authority in areas with a one-tier system) has a statutory duty to maintain a definitive map. In national parks, the National Park Authority usually maintains the map. The Inner London boroughs are exempt from the statutory duty, though they have the powers to maintain a map: currently none does so. Details of the definitive map process are set out in the Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way.

Each right of way also has a written description referred to as the definitive statement. Generally the definitive map takes legal precedence over the definitive statement.

Examples of Definitive Maps

References

External links

• http://www.ramblers.org.uk/advice/rights-of-way-law-in-england-and-wales/definitive-maps-explained.aspx Public Paths and the Definitive Map from the Ramblers Association

• http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/pins/row/consistency_guide.pdf Definitive Map Orders: Consistency Guidelines from the Planning Inspectorate

• https://old.reddit.com/r/UKhiking/comments/cu9a4d/links_to_definitive_maps_for_the_sake_of_walk/ List of online Definitive Maps for each UK county

• https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/414670/definitive-map-guide.pdf Natural England document A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way