Rights of Way

There are some 900 miles of Public Rights of Way in the Staffordshire Moorlands. They represent an exceptional recreational resource that is free to access and invaluable for local residents and for tourism.

Keeping the public rights of way network open and functioning is the responsibility of landowners and Staffordshire County Council. Please see https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Environment/RightsofWay/home.aspx. Here you can find links to a digitised map of the recorded footpaths and bridleways across the County. 

If you wish to view the 'Definitive Map' of recognised Public Rights of Way in the Staffordshire Moorlands, an authenticated paper copy is held at Moorlands House in Leek.

Please note that the Definitive Map is not available digitally. To arrange to view copies please e-mail planning@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk. You can also use this e-mail to inquire about rights of way affected by development, including Town and Country Planning Act modification orders if required to enable approved development to go ahead - see https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/3833/Footpath-Diversion-Orders.

For most other matters, including reporting obstructions to rights of way or other problems using the network, you must contact Staffordshire County Council.