Public rights of way are ways over which the public have the right to pass and repass.  Torbay Council values its rights of way network as they are an important part of our heritage.  Torbay has a beautiful coastline and stunning countryside and the public rights of way network allows people to enjoy these areas, many of which are away from busy roads.  In urban areas the public rights of way can provide shorter routes to retail areas or areas of employment thereby encouraging the use of more sustainable forms of transport.

Torbay Council is responsible for managing and maintaining the rights of way network.

These pages outline some of the walks available within Torbay and explain how Torbay manages the public rights of way network.  Information includes the Rights of Way Improvement Plan which sets out how Torbay intends to both manage and improve the service over the next ten years and details of the Torbay Local Access Forum who provide Torbay Council with advice on how they should manage access to countryside and coastal areas.

If you wish to check whether a path is a public rights of way please contact us using the details above. On receipt, an Officer will check the status of the route on the definitive map and statement of public rights of way. If the route is not recorded as a public right of way it could be a claimed path. If the path is not recorded then the council does not have any responsibility to maintain it.

A Right of Way is a route over which you may pass and repass unhindered. How you travel along the path depends on its status. Torbay has the following:

All public rights of way are inspected on at least an annual basis and Torbay Council will take action to ensure that the public rights of way network is both safe and easy to use.  Torbay Council does encourage the public to inform them of any maintenance issues that they identify when enjoying the network.  Any reports can be directed to Torbay Council using the contact details shown.

Further information on Public Rights of Way are available from the external links included on this page or if you need information on any specific issues please contact the Highways Department.