Public rights of way
We are responsible for the mapping, management and enforcement of public rights of way and work with farmers and other landowners to ensure access is not affected.
Rights of way are classified according to the nature of their use:
- Footpath - foot only
- Bridleway - foot, cycle or horseback
- Restricted Byway - foot, cycle, horseback or carriage
- Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) - foot, cycle, horseback or motor vehicle
A 'permissive path' is where the landowner allows the public access but may close the path occasionally.
Public rights of way are recorded on Definitive Maps. The original copies of these maps can be viewed by appointment at County Offices and remain the legal document for Public Rights of Way in Lincolnshire.
The Electronic Working Copy map shows public rights of way as they are recorded today following any additions, diversions or extinguishments. This should not be considered to be the legal document.
Rights of way can only be closed with our permission. The Temporary Closures register records planned closures where a right of way will be affected by works.
Livestock can be kept in fields crossed by rights of way. The exception is bulls on their own if over 10 months old. Beef bulls are allowed if kept with cows, however, dairy breed bulls are not.
Farmers, landowners, and the county council work together to maintain and manage rights of way.
Whilst in the countryside please act responsibly and follow the Countryside Code.
Electronic working copy definitive map
The electronic working copy is a representation of the original Definitive Map with all subsequent alterations taken into account.
It should be noted that this map is NOT the Definitive Map (legal record) and, that whilst every effort to attain accuracy in translation from the original paper mapping has been made, no liability is accepted for any errors particularly when viewed at scales greater than the original mapping.
We apply a working presumption that routes on the list of streets have public vehicular rights. Legislation has extinguished the rights of motorists if these are also shown as a:
- public footpath
- public bridleway
- restricted byway
You can zoom to a location on the map, or search for an address however rights of way on the electronic working copy map will only be displayed between 1:2,500 and 1:250,000.
Individual path numbers can be found by selecting the individual right of way using your left mouse button.
For licensing reasons we are no longer able to provide information on permissive paths and other areas of countryside access in the way we used to.
Report a problem
If you find a problem with using an existing public right of way then let us know.
Report a problem
Request a change
Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs)
A Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) is used to:
- Add a public right of way that isn't currently shown on the Definitive Map and Statement
- Delete a route if there’s evidence that it’s not a public right of way
- Amend details where necessary (for example, if the route is incorrectly recorded)
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for a DMMO.
What evidence do you need?
To make a DMMO application, you must provide evidence showing that a public right of way exists (or doesn’t exist).
There are two main types of evidence:
- User evidence – information from people who have regularly used the route for at least 20 years, without being stopped, without permission, and without secrecy. We usually collect this through user evidence forms. In some cases, for example where there are cases of very high and obvious use, periods of less than 20 years can be considered.
- Documentary evidence – historical records showing the route was a public right of way. This could include old maps, inclosure or tithe awards, railway plans or records like the 1909/10 Finance Act documents.
What happens after you apply?
- We are legally required to investigate valid applications.
- We check the evidence and may contact landowners and parish or district councils for further information.
- If we find enough evidence, we make an order to modify the Definitive Map.
- We then consult the public. If there are objections, the case is referred to an independent Planning Inspector to make a decision.
The route is only officially added (or removed) once an order is confirmed.
How long will it take?
- We have a large number of DMMO applications waiting to be investigated.
- Applications are processed in the order they were received, unless they meet certain priority criteria.
- Even once an application is investigated, the legal process, consultation, and possible objections mean it can take several years to reach a final decision.
You can find the current list of DMMO applications here:
The DMMO priorities list shows current applications in order of their priority.
More information
For a detailed explanation of the process, you can read: NE112: A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way – 2008 Revision (See pages 4-13, 24-28 and 42-43).
Public Path Orders
Public Path Orders are for a diversion, closure, or a new path.
Administrative costs are chargeable - view our fees and charges for details.
These charges may be waived if the proposal offers substantial benefit.
No charge is made for considering whether an application can be accepted.
For further information on creating a right of way email countryside_access@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 782070.
Request land protection
A landowner can apply for a:
- Highways statement or declaration to protect their land against public rights of way being established by public use.
- Landowner statement to end any use of their land by local inhabitants for lawful sports and pastimes. This may then protect against it being registered as a town or village green.
We charge a fee for the registration of an application.
Search the register of landowner deposits
View notices of applications recently lodged with the county council.
Temporary closures
Rights of way can only be closed with permission from the County Council. Closures are usually only for short periods of time in the interest of public safety when works are taking place in the proximity.
Temporary Closures of Rights of Way
Definitive map applications landowner guidance
When an application is made for a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO), landowners who may be affected by the claim are contacted as part of the formal process. This ensures that anyone with an interest in the land is aware of the application and has the opportunity to understand what it means.
What a DMMO application means
A DMMO application seeks to determine whether a route should be legally recorded as a public right of way on the Definitive Map and Statement. This map and statement form the legal record of public rights of way in Lincolnshire.
- A DMMO does not create a new public right of way. It investigates whether a right of way already exists based on historical documents, maps, and evidence of public use.
- If a right of way is found to exist, it must be added to the Definitive Map and Statement as a matter of fact, not choice.
The council’s role and legal obligations
Lincolnshire County Council has a statutory duty to investigate all valid DMMO applications. The council must consider:
- The evidence submitted with the application
- Any additional evidence discovered during the investigation
- Whether the evidence shows that a public right of way is reasonably alleged to exist
The process is evidence-led and governed by Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The council cannot take into account:
- Concerns about privacy, security, or land management
- Personal opinions regarding the use of the land
- The fact that the route may not have been used recently, or in living memory
What you need to know
If you are a landowner whose land is affected by an application, you are encouraged to participate in the process. You may hold relevant evidence that helps inform the council’s investigation.
Key points for landowners:
- Until a DMMO is made and confirmed, there is no requirement for you to make the route available for public use.
- If the DMMO is confirmed, the route becomes part of the legal record, and any obstructions will need to be removed.
- You have the right to view the evidence upon which a decision is made and to submit an objection during the public consultation period, if you believe the evidence does not support the existence of a right of way.
- Objections must focus on the evidence relating to whether a public right of way exists, not on personal circumstances.
Timescales and the investigation process
Lincolnshire County Council has received a large number of DMMO applications over recent years, many seeking to preserve unrecorded historic routes.
- Applications are investigated in the order they were received, unless exception criteria apply which give a case higher priority.
- Investigations can be complex and time-consuming, often taking several years to complete.
- Public consultation follows if an order is made. If there are objections, the order will be referred to the Planning Inspectorate for determination. This can lead to a public inquiry or hearing, which can further extend timescales.
Due to the legal and evidential complexities, it is not possible to give a definitive timescale for when an individual case will be investigated or concluded.
What happens if a right of way is confirmed
If a route is added to the Definitive Map and Statement following confirmation of a DMMO, it becomes a legally recorded public right of way.
- Landowners are then responsible for ensuring the route is unobstructed and accessible for public use.
- If you wish to change the route of a public right of way across your land, it may be possible to apply for a diversion or extinguishment of the route under the Highways Act 1980.
Diversions are subject to:
- Meeting statutory legal tests for public convenience and enjoyment
- Public consultation and the possibility of objections
- A decision by the council to proceed (there is currently no automatic right to apply for a diversion, although new legislation is expected)
If a diversion is pursued:
- Fees apply at each stage of the diversion application process
- Landowners may need to cover costs for providing the new route and compensating any affected parties
You can find more information on diversion applications, including fees and charges, in our Rights of Way section.
Further information
For more information about the DMMO process, including guidance on evidence, refer to: A guide to definitive maps and changes to public rights of way.
Fees and charges
Landowner statements and declarations
Landowner deposits: Highways Act Section 31(6)
| Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Receipt and processing of deposited map and statement (of any size) | £154 |
| Fee for each additional unconnected land parcel | £20 |
| Receipt and processing of declaration that follows an initial deposited map and statement within four weeks | £47 |
| Receipt and processing of declaration that follows an initial deposited map and statement (once deposit already registered) | £101 |
Landowner deposits: Commons Act 2006, Section 15(a) Landowner Statements (or combined Highways Act 1980 and Commons Act 2006 deposit)
| Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Receipt and processing of deposited map and statement (of any size), including site visit and up to two notices | £259 |
| Fee for each additional unconnected land parcel | £58 |
Public path orders (PPOs) - excluding 'right to apply' applications
| Stage | Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stage one: pre-application advice (optional) | Provision of advice to the applicant and site visit to discuss the proposal. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£240 |
| Stage two: application processing and initial consultation | Application processing, land ownership checks, site survey, provision of work estimates, preparation of draft plan and and undertaking of informal consultations. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1,184 |
| Stage three: PPO preparation and publication | Final clarification of route with applicant, drafting of order, sealing of order, advertising notice in local press, posting notices on site, receive, record and acknowledge responses to the advertising of the notice. | £1,197 |
| Stage four: PPO confirmation | Confirm and seal the order, advertise confirmation in local press, post notices on site. | £987 |
| Current PPOs - cost for making a route available for public use | Works required to make the route available for public use. | Full cost recovery |
Public path orders 'right to apply (RtA)' applications - subject to regulations
| Stage | Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| RtA stage one: pre-application advice (optional) | Provision of advice to the applicant and site visit to discuss the proposal | £240 |
| RtA stage two: application processing and initial consultation | Application processing, land ownership checks, site survey, provision of work estimates, preparation of draft plan and and undertaking of informal consultations. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1,184 |
| RtA stage three: PPO preparation and publication | Final clarification of route with applicant, drafting of order, sealing of order, advertising notice in local press, posting notices on site, receive, record and acknowledge responses to the advertising of the notice. The fee covers a two-hour site meeting. If further meetings are required or the site meeting is particular distant from Lincoln, there may be an additional charge for which applicants will be made aware. |
£1,197 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
| RtA stage four (opposed orders): negotiation of withdrawal of objections | Attempt withdrawal of objections, consideration of forwarding order to Planning Inspectorate, preparation of a decision report. | £326 |
| RtA stage five: (opposed orders): preparation of case and referral to planning inspectorate (estimated time) | Preparation of various documents for a public inquiry or formal hearing. | £864 |
| RtA stage six: (opposed orders): presentation of case to planning inspectorate at public inquiry | Representation at public inquiry or formal hearing. | Full cost recovery (POA) |
| RtA stage seven: PPO confirmation | Confirm and seal the order, advertise confirmation in local press, post notices on site. | £987 plus one local newspaper advertisement |
Enforcement
| Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Area maintenance team costs (per hour inclusive of equipment and vehicle costs) | £77.37 |
| Senior public rights of way officer charge out rate (per hour) | £44.89 |
| Public rights of way officer charge out rate (per hour) | £32.67 |
Local planning authority (LPA) PPO checking service
| Service description | 2025 to 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Senior definitive map officer charge out rate (per hour) | £43.14 |
| Definitive map officer charge out rate (per hour) | £35.29 |
Lincolnshire Joint Local Access Forum
The Local Access Forum (LAF) is a statutory, independent body covering areas of Lincolnshire County Council and North East Lincolnshire Council. It advises the councils and other organisations on how to improve public access to outdoor recreation and sustainable travel.
The LAF sets its own priorities to reflect local issues and responds to consultations and draft policy documents. When making recommendations LAF members consider land use as well as the need to conserve flora, fauna, geological and physical features.
Membership
The LAF is made up of volunteers who provide a balanced view of access issues. Members represent:
- users of local rights of way such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- landowners, land managers and occupiers
- other interests including conservation, tourism, health and the rural economy
You can find a list of current members here.
Meetings
Meetings are held twice a year. Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings as observers but only LAF members can participate in the discussions. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.
You can find information on past and future meetings here.
Join the Forum
New members can be appointed by Lincolnshire County Council. The forum is open to anyone who has an interest in rights of way, such as walkers, horse riders and landowners. The forum aims to be representative of as wide a cross-section of society as possible.
There are currently vacancies for landowners, farmers and land managers. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact democraticservices@lincolnshire.gov.uk.