About our public rights of way

Public Rights of Way (PRoW) are a valuable resource for North Somerset residents and visitors. They allow access to the beauty and tranquillity of large parts of our countryside.

The PRoW network provides a safe alternative to increasingly busy roads and lanes. They enable people to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate wildlife whether on foot, by bike or by horse.

They also form part of everyday life for many. Paths provide access to shops, workplaces, and educational and health services. They also provide vital links to public transport.

North Somerset Council has a PRoW network of around 860 kilometres (535 miles). These consist of footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways. You can view our network on our Definitive Map.

North Somerset also has other sites and routes which provide access opportunities. These include

• permissive paths
• green lanes
• cycle tracks
• parks and common land
• the Natural England National Trail
• the King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is the longest managed coastal path in the world. It goes all the way around the coast of England and will be 2,700 miles long when it is completed.

Natural England has worked in collaboration with the following groups and organisations to make the route available to the public

• North Somerset Council
• the Environment Agency
• local landowners
• many other local partners 

The latest section of the coastal path from Aust in South Gloucestershire to Clevedon was opened in 2023.

National Trails are long distance walking, cycling and horse-riding routes through the best landscapes in England and Wales. Visit their website to discover more.

Our Health Walk scheme welcomes over 300 regular walkers a week in and around North Somerset. Health Walks are held in 

• Clevedon
• Nailsea
• Portishead
• Weston-super-Mare
• Winscombe
• Long Ashton
• Yatton.

Their walks are led by volunteers, and you are welcome to join. All leaders have attended training to ensure a safe and enjoyable walk for all. Find our more on the BetterHealth North Somerset website.

Our Public Rights of Way are maintained by a dedicated team of Access Officers. They sit within the council's Natural Environment team. They work with local landowners and volunteer groups to improve and take care of these spaces.

More information on our Public Rights of Way can be found in our guidance documents. These include details for

• parishes
• landowners
• farmers and land managers
• our local enforcement policy

Over the last 10 years North Somerset Council has developed a strong working arrangement with Woodspring Ramblers Association. 

They have been trained to undertake a variety of valuable projects such as

• installing furniture
• replacing bridges
• vegetation clearance

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, visit their website.

In November 2023, we placed 15 footfall counters on various public rights of way. The counters will provide a simple and effective way of monitoring usage. We will use these to gather information to tailor our maintenance programme. It will focus on prioritising the routes that are most used.