What are the Council's responsibilities?
The Council works to maintain the Public Rights of Way network in partnership with Community Councils and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
To maintain the Public Rights of Way network we undertake the following tasks:
- Erect and maintain signposts where paths leave a metalled road.
- Waymark routes where unclear
- Maintain surface for walkers and horses (where appropriate)
- Cutting and clearing vegetation
- Install and maintain bridges (where appropriate)
- Undertake drainage works
What are your responsibilities as a path user?
- Take litter home
- Keep dogs under close control at all times and clear up after them
- Stay safe - plan ahead, prepare for inclement weather, and take an up-to-date map
- Follow The Countryside Code - Respect everyone, Protect the environment, Enjoy the outdoors, Know the signs and symbols of the countryside
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Guidance note for users of public right of way during or following inclement weather
The Public Rights of Way network is made up of footpaths, bridleways and byways, the surfaces of which vary according to the class of use. For example the surface of a footpath should be suitable for the exercise of the Public Right of Way on foot. Some routes will have a natural surface; the condition of which will vary depending on location, weather conditions, and seasons. The same will apply to semi-urban routes that may have a tarmac or stone surface.
It is the responsibility of each user of a Public Right of Way to take the necessary precautions before proceeding. Therefore, the user should assess the general state of the route, take appropriate care and be prepared to take an alternative if necessary. Additionally, the user should wear suitable clothing and footwear depending on the weather conditions e.g. taking waterproofs, wellingtons and /or carrying extra warm clothes when appropriate.
The user should take special care during or following a period of inclement weather e.g. unusually high levels of rainfall where certain surfaces will become slippery or waterlogged depending on the type of terrain.
What are your responsibilities as a landowner or manager?
The Council works with local landowners who have the responsibility to:
- Know where Public Rights of Way cross their land and to ensure that contractors and other staff are also made aware of the location of Rights of Way when undertaking work on their land.
- Keep paths free from obstructions and overhanging vegetation
- Maintain established stiles and gates in a safe condition for public use
- Never deter or prevent the public from using a Public Right of Way (including putting up misleading signs) and never endanger the public.
- Not keep animals they know to be dangerous or unpredictable in a field through which a Public Right of Way passes.
- Ensure that beef bulls over 10 months are kept with cows or heifers and that dairy bulls over 10 months are never put in a field through which a Public Right of Way passes - HSE Advice
- Not cause a nuisance to path users when allowing shooting to take place. If you have concerns regarding irresponsible or dangerous use of firearms these should be reported to the police. - Code of Good Shooting Practice
- Never plough a Public Right of Way along a field edge, or any byway or restricted byway
- Reinstate footpaths and bridleways across fields after ploughing or cultivation and keep them free of crops