Exmoor’s Rights of Way
"Who do I contact if I find a problem on a public right of way or access land?"
The rights of way network is managed and maintained by Exmoor National Park Authority which has delegated powers from Devon and Somerset County Councils.
This means that most maintenance duties, signing, waymarking etc are undertaken by Exmoor National Park Authority whilst definitive map issues and legal issues are undertaken by the relevant Highway Authority.
Facts and Figures
| Type | Total Length |
| Public Footpaths | 438 km (272 miles) |
| Public Bridleways | 464 km (288 miles) |
| Other Public Rights of way (Restricted Byway & BOAT) | 64 km (40 miles) |
| Permitted route agreements with Exmoor National Park Authority | 40 km (25 Miles) |
| TOTAL | 1006 Km |
In addition to the above public rights of way network there are also areas open to access on foot.
Rights of Way Definitions
| Type | Who can use them | Way-mark colour |
| Footpath | Walkers only | YELLOW |
| Bridleway | Walkers, Horse riders, Cyclists | BLUE |
| Restricted Byway | Walkers, Horse riders, Cyclists, Carriage Drivers. | PURPLE |
| Byway Open to All Traffic(BOAT) | Walkers, Horse riders, Cyclists, Carriage Drivers, Road Legal Motor Vehicles | RED |
RUPPs (road used as public path)
The new category of right of way - "restricted byway" - has been introduced to replace the term RUPP. Up to date information can be obtained from Somerset County Council, Devon County Council or DEFRA. A useful leaflet from Somerset County Council outlines the main changes.
Maintenance
Network surveys are undertaken by the Ranger Service team to identify maintenance that is required. The National Park Authority also relies heavily on public reports of damage/obstructions to the network. If you have noticed something that needs attention then please contact us including a grid reference and brief description.
The Ranger Service currently carries out general maintenance tasks and compiles maintenance programmes for drainage, paring and erosion. The majority of physical work is undertaken by the Field Services Team who carry out routine maintenance including:
Furniture construction (gates/stiles/bridges) and instillation Erosion control Surface repairs, improvements, drainage Vegetation clearance
Responsibilities of Users, Landowners and Farmers
Users, landowners/managers and farmers, and Exmoor National Park Authority all have rights and responsibilities with regards to public rights of way.