Derby has an extensive network of roads, pavements, cycleways, bridleways and footpaths.

Footpaths, bridleways and byways open to all traffic, which generally have not been adopted by the Council for maintenance purposes, are normally referred to as public rights of way, or public paths.

Roads, footways/pavements, cycleways and footpaths, which have been adopted for maintenance purposes by the Council, are normally referred to as highways.

Public footpaths are ways where users have a right of way on foot. Public bridleways are ways where users have a right of way on foot, horseback and bicycle. Public byways are ways where users have a right of way on foot, horseback, bicycle and motor vehicle, although the main use must be on foot and horseback.

Derby's Public Rights of Way Service is responsible for maintaining an accurate record of the public rights of way network by making sure that they are shown on the Definitive Map and Statement, which covers the city. On the Definitive Map and Statement webpage, there are 10 maps showing the location of what we believe to be Derby's current rights of way network (as at May 2009). However, these maps do not form part of the definitive map areas that cover Derby. Applications that we have received to modify the Definitive Map and Statement can be viewed on our Modification Orders webpage.

Our Rights of Way Improvement Plan, RoWIP gives us the opportunity to see whether the city's path network is meeting the needs of its users, identify where we can improve it and promote greater use. The Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum is the statutory adviser on the implementation of this plan.

Walks, nature trails and accessible leisure routes

You can find information about walks in Derby, and nearby accessible leisure routes, on our Walks and Nature Trails webpage.

Maintenance issues

The Public Rights of Way Service does not deal with any public footpath or bridleway maintenance issues. For all maintenance issues, please phone 01332 255242 or email customerservices@derby.gov.uk. 

For further information contact

Derby City Council
Regeneration and Community Department
Plans and Policies Section
Roman House
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1XB

Telephone 01332 293111 Minicom 01332 256666  Fax 01332 255989  email rightsofway@derby.gov.uk

For additional information on public footpaths and bridleways, you can visit these websites

Naturenet 
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs - DEFRA 
Derbyshire County Council