Smallcombe

05/03/2024 - Blackrock Lane improvement scheme

Volunteers from Bath Ramblers Maintenance (BRAM) Team have carried out improvements to public footpath CL17/26 near Blackrock Lane in Publow with Pensford.  Stone and grid mat surfacing has been laid and new steps and sleeper crossings have been installed giving access to land to be planted with new woodland as part of Avon Needs Trees’ Great Avon Wood project.  Photographs of the works can be found here.

  

22/02/2024 - The Tyning, Freshford

The Council has surfaced and constructed revetnments along a 110 metre long section of public footpath BA12/12 near The Tyning in Freshford. The works ensure a firm and level surface along a section of footpath which had become muddy and was subsiding. Before and after photographs can be found here.

  

13/02/2024 - Adoption of public footpath

The Council has adopted the majority of public footpath BC33/8 which connects Ivy Avenue with Coronation Avenue in Southdown, Bath. As part of the adoption the Council has surfaced the adopted section of the path and refurbished the flight of steps. Before and after photographs can be found here.

  

20/01/2024 - Secretary of State determinations

The Inspector, on behalf of the Secretary of State, has now concluded the exchange of written representations process in respect of three legal order cases submitted by the Council; these relate to the Council's refusal to make a DMMO for a path at Park Copse in Compton Dando, an opposed order to divert a section of public footpath BA19/22 at Skylark Farm in Peasedown St John and an opposed order to divert sections of BC16/1 near Kelston Road in Newbridge. The Inspector's decision in all three cases is expected in the spring.

  

04/01/2024 - Somerdale Link DMMO

The Council is currently consulting on an application to record a route which runs from BA27/5 adjacent to the railway and through to Dryleaze as a public footpath; the path provides an important link for local residents access schools, shops and places of work. The Council has carried out an investigation into the available evidence and the report which summarises this evidence and details of the consultation can be found here.

  

30/12/2023 - Cotswold Wardens

The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens have completed 50 work parties on behalf of the Council's PROW Team. These works have included path clearances, installation of kissing gates and signposts and the erection of handrails; this work has played a vital role in keep the rights of way network open and available for use by the public. More information about the Cotswold Wardens can be found here.

  

14/12/2023 - Batheaston Riverpath

The Council has made a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to close a section of public footpath BA2/5 which follows the northern bank of the River Avon in Batheaston following erosion of the riverbank on which the footpath runs which has made it unsafe for use by the public. The path will remain closed while the Council carries out a feasibility study, obtains Environment Agency consents and carries out the necessary works to ensure that the path can be safety reopened. A copy of the closure notice can be found here.

  

25/11/2023 - Secretary of State determinations

The Council currently has three legal order cases being determined by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State. The first relates to the Council's refusal to make a DMMO for a path at Park Copse in Compton Dando and the associated deposited documents can be found here. The second relates to an opposed order to divert a section of public footpath BA19/22 at Skylark Farm in Peasedown St John and the associated documents can be found here. The third reletes to an opposed order to divert sections of BC16/1 near Kelston Road in Newbridge and the associated documents can be found here.

  

08/11/2023 - Lycombe Vale Surfacing Works

The Council has resurfaced a 55m section of public footpath AQ74 near Lycombe Vale in Bath to provide an easily accessible route for the public. The works included excavating the existing path, building a sub-base, constructing steps and tarmacking. Before and after photographs can be found here.

  

12/06/2023 - Joint Local Access Forum

The Joint Local Access Forum (the JLAF) is currently looking to recruit new volunteer members. The JLAF is a statutory body which gives independent advice to public bodies, including Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils, on outdoor access, including on public rights of way and access land both in the countryside and in urban areas. Further information can be found here.

 

15/05/2023 - Bath DM&S Project: Moorlands Ward

A Definitive Map Modification Order was made on 9th March 2023 to add 21 public footpaths to the Definitive Map and Statement for the city of Bath in the Moorlands Ward (including a small part of Oldfield Park and Westmoreland Wards).  No objections were received and the Authority confirmed the order as made on 11th May 2023.  A copy of the Order and associated Notice can be found here.

 

07/03/2023 - BC62/3 Diversion Application

The application to divert public footpath BC62/3 near Monkton Prep School has been withdrawn by the applicant. Consequently, the proposals will no longer be considered at the Planning Committee and the public footpath will remain in its current position.

 

01/03/2023 - BC62/3 Diversion Application

In October 2022, the Authority consulted on proposals to divert a section of public footpath BC62/3 near Monkton Prep School. The proposals received a large number of objections and, consequently, the proposals will be determined at the Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday 8th March. Details of the meeting can be found here and the Officer Report can be found here

 

07/02/2023 - Lyncombe Vale

The Council has surfaced a 125 metre long section of public footpath AQ74 and short section of AQ73 at Lyncombe Vale which had become muddy and difficult to use during the winter months. The footpaths link residential areas with two school and they are an important link in the local rights of way network . Before and after photos of the improvement works can be found here.

 

09/02/2023 - Park Copse DMMO

Following an investigation and public consultation, the Council has rejected a DMMO application which sought to record a public footpath through Park Copse in Compton Dando. A copy of the Decision Report detailing the evidence and grounds for making the decision can be found here.

 

27/01/2023 - Former Bathampton Ferry Crossing DMMO

The Council has confirmed the DMMO to record a public footpath running from public footpath BA2/3 to the northern bank of the River Avon. The path will be open and available for use by the public at the end of the confirmation advertising period. A copy of the confirmed order can be found here.

 

26/01/2023 - Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS)

DEFRA have published the government's proposals for ELMS, the scheme which will replace the Common Agricultural Policy following the UK's departure from the European Union. Details of ELMS, which include reference to exploring opportunities to fund permissive access, can be found here.

 

29/12/2022 - Countryside Code

Natural England have recently launched their new campaign webpages in conjunction with National Trails. The webpages feature advice for both the public and landowners, resources for education and clubs, the Countryside Code Champions and more. The pages can be found on line here.

 

08/12/2022 - AQ89 Surfacing Works

As part of the 2022/23 PROW Capital Imrpovement Programme, the Council have surfaced a 100m long section of public footpath AQ89 near Rush Hill in Bath. The path is an important link from the city into the countryside but it could become muddy and difficult to use during winter months. The works will ensure that a pleasant route is available year round and photos can be found here.

 

24/11/2022 - Former Bathampton Ferry Crossing DMMO

The Council has made a DMMO to record a public footpath running from public footpath BA2/3 to the northern bank of the River Avon. Any representations or objections to the order must be received by 11th January 2023. A copy of the order can be found here.

 

01/11/2022 - Newbridge Woodland

A 150 metre long flight of steps have been constructed on a section of public footpath BC15/2, which runs from Newbridge Meadows to Kelston Road in Bath. The footpath provides a safe route to Oldfield School through attractive woodland but the surface was prone to becoming slippery, particularly during winter months. Photos of the improvement works can be found here.

 

20/10/2022 - Meadow Park

The Council has confirmed the Meadow Park DMMO which formally records the public's right to pass and repass over the route running from one of the cul-de-sac ends of Meadow Park in Bathford to public footpath BA3/24. It should be noted that the public rights were created through long use by the public and the Council is therefore not liable for the mainttenance of the public footpath. A copy of the Order can be found here.

 

02/10/2022 - Butham Lane

The Council has completed a improvement works to a 250 metre section of public footpath CL3/73, also known as Butham Lane, in Chew Magna. The route had become seriously eroded by water erosion and was difficult for members of the public to use. The works included the digging of drainage ditches, the installation of pipes, the renovation of a catch pit and screen, the surfacing of the path and the construction of innovative 'leaky dams' to prevent creating drainage problems elsewhere. Photos of the completed works can be found here.

 

19/08/2022 - Park Copse

The Council is consulting on an application from Compton Dando Parish Council to record a public footpath through Park Copse in Compton Dando. A copy of the consultation note showing the claimed route and an alternative possible route through the woodland can be found here.

 

04/08/2022 - Meadow Park

The Council has made an order to record a public footpath on the Definitive Map and Statement running from Meadow Park in Bathford to public footpath BA3/24. If anyone wishes to object to the order then they can do so in writing by 12th September 2022; a copy of the order can be found here and a copy of the notice can be found here.

 

29/07/2022 - Prospect Stile, West Harptree

The BRAM Volunteer team have installed steps, handrail and fences to improve access along public footpath CL23/40 to Prospect Stile. The location provides panoramic views across Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, the Harptrees and on a good day even across the River Severn to Wales. The works, which have been organised by the Council's PROW Inspector for the area in collaboration with the Duchy of Cornwall, significantly improve access to one of the most beautiful spots north of the Mendip Hills. Photos can be found here.

 

15/07/2022 - New footpath near Somerdale, Keynsham

The Council has created a new public footpath in Keynsham running from Dryleaze (near Somerdale) across grassland to Durley Hill. The path will provides step-free access for residents of Keynsham to the existing rights of way network to the west. Photos of the new route and a map showing its location can be found here.

 

26/06/2022 - Rebecca Jones MBE

Rebecca Jones, the Cotswold National Landscapes' Volunteer and Access Lead and the Cotswold National Trail Officer, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Becky has worked tirelessly to promote volunteering and dserves a large amount of the credit for what the Cotswold Way is today. Further information can be found here.

 

01/06/2022 - Bathampton Ferry Crossing DMMO

The Authority is currently consulting on an application to record a public footpath in the ward of Lambridge. The claimed route lies just to the west of the Bathampton Toll Bridge and runs from public footpath BA2/3 in a southerly direction of the former Bathampton Ferry Crossing on the River Avon; the consultation notice can be found here.

 

18/05/2022 - Deregulation Act

DEFRA have announced that they intend to repeal the '2026 cut-off' date, which would have seen unrecorded public rights of way which were in existence prior to 1949 extinguished. They have also announced that they intend to implement the full package of Deregulation Act reforms which are intended to improvements rights of way, and specifically DMMO, processes.

,

03/05/2022 - Somerdale Dedication Agreement

The Council is in the process of creating a new public footpath in Keynsham between Dryleaze (near Somerdale) and running across grassland to Durley Hill. The path will provide step-free access for residents of Keynsham to the existing rights of way network to the west. The path will be open and available to use later in the summer once a number of bridges have been constructed.

 

03/03/2022 - Cotswold Way

The landowner and the Council have entered into a dedication agreement which formally records the section of the Cotswold Way above Weston Recreation Ground as a public footpath. This means that the whole length of the Cotswold Way within Bath and North East Somerset is formally recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement as a public right of way and the public's right to use the route has been secured in perpetuity.

 

17/02/2022 - Dundas Aquaduct

A 60 metres section of public footpath BA16/12 in Monkton Combe has been surfaced and steps constructed. The footpath was prone to becoming muddy and slippery, especially during wet weather, and it provides an important link to the popular Dundas Aquaduct. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

16/02/2022 - Polestar

Public footpaths CL16/1 and CL16/2 near the former Polestar factory site in Paulton have been transformed following the completion of significant capital works partly funded from a Section 106 contribution. The works included the surfacing of 600 metres of footpath, the laying of hedges and removal of old fencing. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

28/01/2022 - Bathampton Meadows

The National Trust have acquired 40 hectares of land to the land east of Bath for the creation of a green corridor; 25ha have been transferred by B&NES Council and 15ha have been purchased. Further information about their proposals can be found here.

 

27/01/2022 - Pipehouse Lane

Piphouse Lane (BOAT BA13/20) in Hinton Charterhouse has been reopened after extensive reconstruction work was completed following significant storm water damage in 2021; the works included surfacing, drainage and the construction of a soakaway. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

31/12/2021 - Rag Hill

Extensive surfacing and drainage works have been carried out to public footpath BA19/27 which is an important arterial route connecting the villages of Peasedown St John and Shoscombe. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

29/11/2021 - Saxon Close

 A section of public footpath BA26/9 in Whitchurch has been resurfaced to upgrade the last section of a through route near Saxon Close. Before and after photos can be found here

 

15/11/2021 - Meadow Park DMMO

The Council is currently consulting on a Defintive Map Modification Order application to record a public footpath at Meadow Park in Bathford. A further details about the consultation can be found here and a copy of the investigation report can be found here.

 

27/10/2021 - Maes Knoll CL15/5

Surfacing works and gateway improvements have been carried out to a 330m long section of public footpath CL15/5 in Norton Malreward which provides access to the viewpoint and Iron Age fort at Maes Knoll. The path had become increasingly muddy and difficult to safely use due to increased use over the last 18 months and photos of the works can be found here.

 

07/10/2021 - Bath Racecourse

Following the receipt of a small number of objection, the concurrent creation and extinguishment orders which were made by the Council to create a new and improved network of public footpaths at Bath Racecourse were referred to the Secretary of State for determination. Following a written representations process these orders have been confirmed and the new network of paths created.  A map of the effect of the confirmed orders can be found here

 

07/08/2021 - Public Footpath CL3/43

The bridge on public footpath CL3/43 near New Farm in Chew Magna has been replaced and stone laid on either approaches to improve accessibility. This is just one of approximately 12 bridges that are replaced each year, along with many others which are repaired and refurbished. A photo can be found here.

 

28/07/2021 - Limestone Link

The Ramblers have installed information boards at the start, middle and end of the Limestone Link, which is a 36 mile long promoted joining the limestone of the Cotswolds near Cold Ashton to that of the Mendip Hills near Shipham. The information displayed on the boards can be found here.

 

07/07/2021 - Railway Crossing Safety

Network Rail are currently running a campaign to improve people's awareness of their surroundings and the dangers posed on level crossings; there are three public footpaths which cross railway lines in Bathampton and Bathford. Further information can be found here.

 

23/04/2021 - Bridgerton and Frankenstein

As part of the Bath Festival, members of the public can join walking tours taking in locations from Netflix's very popular Bridgerton series, which was filmed around the city, and locations relating to Mary Shelley, who wrote the majority of Frankenstein while living in the Bath. The Bridgerton tour can be booked here and the Frankenstein tour can be booked here.

 

09/04/21 - Westbrook Woodland TVG

Following a non-statutory public inquiry in September, the Council has formally rejected an application to register land known as Westbrook Woodland in Weston and Charlcombe as town/village green. The application was rejected on the grounds that the land had not enjoyed the requisite use set out in the Commons Act 2006. The decision report can be found here.

 

01/04/2021 - Countryside Code

The Countryside Code, which sets out the responsibilities for visitors to the countryside and those who manage the land, has been revised and republished. Advice for visitors can be found here, the Countryside Code leaflet can be found here and advice for land managers can be found here.

 

26/03/2021 - Bloomfield, Paulton

A 110m section of public footpath CL16/47 in Paulton has been surfaced with crashed stone. The footpath provides an important pedestrian link for Winterfield Park to the doctor's surgery, Bloomfield Nursing Home and the Memorial Hospital. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

15/03/2021 - Ramblers' BRAM Team Volunteers

The Ramblers have published an article on the work carried out by the BRAM team on the rights of way network in Bath and North East Somerset. The article is available online here

 

16/02/2021 - Cotswold Way National Trail

A 190m long section of the Cotswold Way National Trail in North Stoke has been reprofiled and resurfaced to address on going problems with drainage and potholling on these two public brildeways. The Cotswold Conservation Board kindly provided grant funding to cover 75% of the cost of the works.  Before and after photos can be found here.

 

10/02/2021 - Sydney Buildings 

The steps on public footpath BC54/40 near Sydney Buildings in Bath have been refurbished and resurfaced. The footpath provides an important and well used route for the residents of Bathwick to access the city centre and Bath Spa train station. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

27/01/2021 - BC62/4 Works

Following on from works completed last year, the steps on the remainder of the upper section of public footpath BC62/4 which runs south from Summer Lane in Combe Down have been refurnished and the surface tarmacced to provide an improved route for local residents to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful countryside to the south of the city . Before and after photos can be found here.

 

21/01/2021 - JLAF Meetings

The Council provides secretarial support to the Joint Local Access Forum which advises public bodies on public access in the West of England region. The meetings, which are currently being held on line, have been rescheduled to tehe first Thursday in March, July and November. Further information about the JLAF can be found here.

 

22/12/2020 - Slow Ways

Slow Ways is a project to create a network of walking routes that connect all of Great Britain’s towns and cities as well as thousands of villages. Slow Ways are looking for volunteers to help walk, test, record and review all of the routes that have been identified to day. If you are interested in getting involved then further information can be found here.

 

07/12/2020 - Cameley Fishponds

Public footpaths CL1/29 and CL1/30 have been diverted onto a new alignment which avoids the fishponds in Cameley. The diversion resolves a long running obstruction issue which has existed since the fishponds were constructed in the 1990s. A copy of the confirmed diversion order can be found here

 

30/11/2020 - BRAM Volunteer Team

Over the past year, the BRAM Volunteer team have replaced 11 stiles with gates to improve accessibility, repaired 16 bridges, built 40 steps, installed three handrails, erected eight signposts and carried out 3.5km of vegetation clearance on the public rights of way network. Photos of some of their projects can be found here and information about volunteering can be found here.

 

14/11/2020 - Abbots Wood Surfacing

A 140 metre long section of Public footpath BA27/15 through Abbots Wood in Keynsham has been surfaced with s106 funding provided by the developer of the adjacent Hygge Park development; reseeding of the adjacent ground will be carried out in the spring. The area is particularly susceptable to waterlogging and photos of the completed works can be found here.

 

22/10/2010 - JLAF Recruitment

The Joint Local Access Forum is an independent forum, including landowers and users, who provide advice to Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City and South Gloucestershire Councils on access to the countryside. If you are interested in joining the JLAF you can find more information here.

 

03/09/2020 - Westbrook Woodland TVG Public Inquiry

The non-statutory public inquiry relating to the Westbrook Woodland TVG inquiry which was scheduled to be held in the Guildhall will now be held online. The inquiry will commence at 10am on 3rd September 2020 and is expected to run for up to seven days.  Members of the public can watch a live stream of the public inquiry here.

 

06/08/2020 - Westbrook Woodland TVG Public Inquiry (UPDATE: VENUE CHANGE)

The postponed non-statutory public inquiry into the application to register land adjacent to Osbourne's Hill in Weston and Charlcombe as town/village green will now commence at 10am on 3rd September 2020 at the Guildhall in Bath.  A copy of the inquiry notice can be found here. (UPDATE: DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, THIS INQUIRY WILL NOW BE HELD ONLINE AND NOT AT THE GUILDHALL

 

12/06/2020 - Hygge Park accessibility improvements

A 260 metre section of public footpaths BA27/27 and BA27/28 in Keynsham have been tarmacked to provide a firm level surface. The works are intended to improve accessibility and encourage sustainable travel between the new Hygge Park development and the schools and facilities in Keynsham. Photos of the completed works can be found here.

 

30/04/2020 - Travelling to rights of way for exercise 

The Government and NHS have stressed that it is important for people's physical and mental health that they continue to get regular exercise. Further guidance has been issued to help members of the public better understand what they can and cannot do during this period which can be found here.

 

24/03/2020 - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

To control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government has stated that members of the public should only leave their houses for one of four reasons i) shopping for basic necessities, ii) one form of exercise a day, iii) any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, and iv) to travel to and from work, but only where they cannot work from home. The Government has not advised that rights of way should be closed but it is important for members of the public who are using the rights of way network for one of these four stated reasons to minimise time spent outside of the home and ensuring they are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of their household. Members of the public are also advised to wear gloves to avoid touching gates and stiles and to wash or sanitise their hands regularly. The Government guidance can be found here.

 

13/03/2020 - 2020/21 Capital Programme

The schemes to be included in the 2020/21 PROW Capital Improvement Programme have now been confirmed.  The programme will deliver ten schemes during summer 2020 including resurfacing the footpath to the hospital and doctor's surgery in Paulton and a number of schemes which are funded through contributions secured from housing developers.  A summary of all the schemes included can be found here.

 

17/02/2020 - Danger from flooding

Members of the public are urged to take additional care when using the public footpaths in Saltford and Kelston which run immediately adjacent to the River Avon.  Due to the risk posed by flooding and high river levels, walkers should avoid using submerged paths. Saltford Parish Council's photo of the current situation can be found here.

 

04/02/2020 - Public Footpath BA27/38 Capital Works

The Authority has installed a new drainage system and surfaced a 230 metre section of public footpath BA27/38 in Saltford.  The footpath, which runs north from Norman Road and runs adjacent to the railway line, is now once again fully accessible, even during inclement weather. Before and after photos can be found here.

 

23/01/2020 - Westbrook Woodland TVG Public Inquiry

A non-statutory public inquiry will commence on 4th June 2020 to hear evidence regarding whether land adjacent to Osbourne's Hill in Weston and Charlcombe should be registered as town/village green. The inquiry will be held in the Guildhall in Bath and is expected to run for up to seven days.  A copy of the application can be found here.

 

19/12/2019 - Public Bridleway BA21/12

Following two public inquiries, an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State has confirmed a Definitive Map Modification Order which has the effect of recording a track from from St Catherine Lane to Beeks Lane in South Gloucestershire as a public brildeway.  A copy of the Inspector interim report can be found here and the final report can be found here.

 

04/11/2019 - Cotswold Way Resurfacing

The Authority has installed drainage and surfaced a 230m long section of public footpath BA14/9 in Kelston.  The path, which was prone to becoming very muddy during the winter months, forms part of the Cotswold Way National Trail and the Cotswold AONB provided 25% grant funding to enable the works to go ahead.  Photos of the work can be found here.

 

21/10/2019 - BRAM Volunteer Team

Over the last 12 months, the BRAM volunteer team have installed 41 gates and 21 waymarking posts on the rights of way network in addition to carrying out 25 clearances and installing steps to improve accessibility.  If you're interested in finding out more about volunteering then more information can be found here.

 

14/10/2019 "Be Nice, Say Hi!" 

Cycling UK and The British Horse Society have joined forces to launch a consideration and courtesy awareness message of ‘Be Nice, Say Hi’ to help cyclists and horse riders to pass safely. A downloadable leaflet and two short videos, informs cyclists how to safely pass horse riders both on and off the road can be found here.

 

30/09/2019 - Public footpath BC53/3

The Authority has surfaced a section of public footpath BC53/3 at Beechen Cliff in Widcombe, Bath. The footpath, which provides an important route for pupils to walk to two local schools, was prone to becoming very muddy in winter months and a photo of the completed works can be seen here.

 

09/09/2019 - Julian House Circuit of Bath Walk

Julian House are organising their Annual Fundraising Walk on Sunday 22nd September 2019.  The event gives the public the opportunity to explore some of the beautiful countryside surrounding Bath and raising vital funds for the charity's work. Participants can choose their own distance, from 2 or up to 20 miles, and further details can be found here.

 

27/08/2019 - Widcombe Rights of Way

The Authority has added 16 paths in Widcombe to the Definitive Map and Statement.  The paths were recorded as part of the Bath Definitive Map Project and they are now protected so that they can always be used by the public.  A copy of the confirmed order detailing the paths affected can be found here.

 

07/08/2019 - Mountain's Lane

The Authority has installed a drainage system and resurfaced approximately 1km of Mountains Lane (BOAT CL9/44) in Farmborough to bring the route back into a fit condition by all users; the surface of the byway had become badly rutted and waterlogged over the previous 12 months. Photos of the completed works can be found here.

 

30/07/2019- Somer Valley Walking Festival

The Somer Valley Walking Festival will return on 13th, 14th and 15th September 2019 with the intention of encouraging local people and visitors to explore the beauty of the area's coutnryside and discover its rich heritage through a programme of free short, medium and longer walks.  Details about the festival and all the organised walks can be found here.

 

18/07/2019 - Pensford Improvements

Avon Ramblers' BRAM Team have recently completed a whole raft of improvements on public rights of way in the Pensford area including the installation of a flight of steps and the replacement of stiles with accessible kissing gates; photographs of the steps can be found here and further information about the BRAM Team can be found here.

 

07/07/2019 - Public Inquiries

The public inquiry to consider proposed modifications to the DMMO relating to Beeks Mill in St Catherine has been scheduled for 15th October 2019 and the public inquiry to determine the DMMO to record two public footpaths at Glenavon Farm in Saltford has been scheduled for 13th February 2020.  Further details about both cases and inquiries can be found here.

 

21/06/2019 - Bath Racecourse

The Authority has made concurrent creation and extinguishment orders to create a new and improved network of public footpaths which are in the vicinity of Bath Racecourse but which, unlike the existing network, do not cross the racetrack itself.  A copy of the creation order can be seek here and a copy of the extinguishment order can be found here.

 

23/05/2019 - Westbrook Woodland

An application has been received to record a piece of land adjacent to Osbourne's Hill in Weston and Charlcombe as a town/village green. Further details can be found here.

 

15/04/2019 - 2019/20 Capital Programme

Work has commenced on the 2019/20 PROW Capital Improvement Programme.  The programme will deliver five schemes during summer 2019 at Mountain's Lane (CL9/44) in Farmborough, Summer Lane (BC62/4) in Combe Down, the Cotswold Way (BA14/8) in Kelston, Beechen Cliff (BC53/3) in Lyncombe and Norman Road (BA27/38) in Saltford. Further details can be found here.

 

07/04/2019 - Shepherd's Walk Surfacing

A 125 metre long section of Shepherd's Walk (public footpath AQ88) has been surfaced with recycled road planings and a stone dust surface to provide a firm and level surface for users of this popular route. Photos of the completed works can be seen here.

 

28/03/2019 - Glenavon Farm DMMO

The Authority was directed by the Secretary of State to make a Definitive Map Modification Order to record two public footpaths at Glenavon Farm between Saltford and Keynsham.  An objection was made by the landowner and the matter has therefore been referred back to the Secretary of State who is likely to hold a public inquiry later in the year.  The associated deposited documents can be found here 

 

18/03/2019 - Bath Riverpath Surfacing

A 900 metres long section the Bath Riverpath (public footpath BCRIV/1) from Bath Marina to Brassmill Lane has been reopened following the completion of surfacing works to improve the path for users.  Photos of the completed works can be seen here.

 

04/02/2019 - CL21/17 Surfacing Improvements

Public footpath CL21/17 near The Ha Ha in Timsbury has been resurfaced in partnership with Timsbury Parish Council. Photos of the completed works can be seen here.

 

24/01/2019 - BC34/1 Accessiblity Improvements

Public footpath BC34/1 has been regraded and surfaced to provide a fully-accessible pedestrian link between Fielding's Bridge (BC34/3) and Bath Riverpath (BC34/3).  Photos of the completed works can be seen here.

 

10/01/2019 - Bath Riverpath Temporary Closure

As part of the 2018/19 PROW Capital Improvement Programme, the Authority will be surfacing a section of public footpath BCRIV/1 (Bath Riverpath).    To allow the works to be carried out the section of the footpath which runs from Newbridge Road following the rverpath to Brassmill Lane will be closed for up to four weeks commencing 18th February 2019.  A plan of the affected footpath and alternative route can be seen here.

 

02/01/2019 - Ramblers' thanks for farmer's path work

The Avon Area Ramblers recently recognised a local farmer’s efforts in maintaining public rights of way over his land, with a group hiking their way to a farm near Bath to present a special certificate. The story was reported in the Bath Echo here.

 

11/10/2018 - Annual Volunteer Meet Up

Members of the PROW Team met up with volunteer from the Bath Ramblers BRAM Volunteer Team last night to thank then for all their hard work installing gates, clearing vegetation, erecting signposts, building steps and refurbishing bridges over the last 12 months.  If you're interested in volunteering then further details can be found here.

 

13/06/2018 - Bathampton/Bathford Link Footpath

Following an application made by Bathford Parish Council, a footpath has been recorded on the Definitive Map and Statement running from Tyning Road in Bathampton, over the level crossing, fields and the River Avon to Bradford Road in Bathford.  A copy of the legal order recording the footpath can be viewed here.

 

31/05/2018 - Batheaston Riverpath

Public footpath BA2/5, which follows the northern bank of the River Avon in Batheaston, has been reopened following works undertaken on behalf of the PROW Team.  It became necessary to temporarily close the popular footpath in March as a result of river erosion undermining the riverbank.  Before and after photos can be seen here.

 

16/05/2018 - Rights of Way Improvement Plan

The Council are currently consulting on a new Rights of Way Improvement plan which will be in effect until 2026. A copy of the draft ROWIP and details about the consultation can be viewed here.

 

28/03/2018 - NICE guidance on physical activity and the environment

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have published their guideline on physical activity and the environment.  The guidelines themselves can be found here, the supoprting evidence can be found here and further information for the public can be found here.

 

23/03/2018 - Stamping Around

Families are being encouraged to get outdoors and explore local parks and open spaces as part of a series of new free trails called Stamp Around.  Stamp Around is being launched in Keynsham Memorial Park on Wednesday 28 March from 2-4pm and further details can be found here.

 

25/01/2018 - A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment

DEFRA have recently published their long-term policy document entitled ‘A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment’.  The document is intended to set out their comprehensive and long-term approach to protecting and enhancing England’s natural landscapes and habitats for the next generation.  Chapter 3, which addresses the need to connect people with the environment to improve health and wellbeing, has particular relevance for public rights of way.  The document is available in full here.

 

15/01/2018 - South Keynsham

The Authority has decided to make a public path order to create a new public bridleway near Castle Primary School in Keynsham; the order will be made and advertised shortly.  This is part of a number of ongoing improvements in the area which include a separate legal order to create a public footpath between St Clements Road and Park Road, the diversion of a footpath through Abbott's Wood and the surfacing of a number of public footpaths.

 

04/01/2018 - Regulatory (Access) Committee

The Authority's Regulatory (Access) Commitee will hold a meeting to determine the application to create a public bridleway near Castle Primary School in Keynsham.  The meeting is open to the public and will take place at 11.30am on Monday 15th January 2018 at the Council Chamber, Guildhall, High Street, Bath.  Members of the public who wish to address the Committee should request to do so no later than two clear working days before the meeting by emailing Democratic_services@bathnes.gov.uk

 

28/07/2017 - Bath Walking Festival

The first Bathscape Walking Festival will take place between 16th and 24th September 2017.  Whether you want to walk longer distances enjoying stunning views across the city, explore the nature in your local area or just meet people and get some fresh air, there’s a walk for you.  The walks are free and have a leader, so if you’d like to start walking or would like to discover something new and don’t know where to start, they will be your guide.  To find out more visit the Bathscape Walking Festival website on www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk/

 

03/03/2017 - Keynsham Walking Festival

The second Keynsham Walking Festival will take place on 8-9th April 2017.  The festival is run by  'Keynsham Walkers Are Welcome', who have been very successful in encouraging members of the public to get out and enjoy the beautiful countryside around the town.  The festival will include a range of walks ranging from 1.5 mile beginner's taster walks up to 6 mile walks for the more experienced walkers.  There will also be guided nature walks along the River Avon and a guided history walk taking in Londonderry Wharf and Cleeve Wood. Full details about the festival are available on the festival programme and poster.

 

13/02/2017 - Sham Castle Field DMMO

Following an investigation and a six-week public consultation, the Authority has rejected an application to record a public footpath through Sham Castle Field in Bathampton near the University of Bath and Bath Golf Club.  The landowner was shown to have taken sufficient steps to stop a new public footpath being created through long use by the public.  A copy of the Decision Report, which includes the applicable law and the reasons for the Council's decision, can be found here. 

 

08/02/2017 - New Gates

Over the course of the last year, the Public Rights of Way Team have installed 157 gates across the network.  The majority of these new gates have replaced old wooden stiles which were in a poor state of repair.  Installing gates, rather than stiles, helps to improve the accessibility of the network because many walkers, especially those with hip problems, are able to walk relatively long distances but find it difficult to climb over stiles. 

 

Your rating: 

Your rating: None Average: 5 (6 votes)
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.