The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal record of public rights of way in Bath and North East Somerset. Use this page to find out more.
The purpose of the Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal record of public rights of way in the area. It is always under review and kept up to date with changes to the public rights of way network.
The Definitive Map shows the alignment of legally recorded public rights of way on a map.
The Definitive Statement provides a written description of the public rights of way, with details such as their width and any limitations.
Once a public right of way has been shown to exist, it will continue to exist permanently regardless of how often it is used. A public right of way will only cease to exist when it has been stopped up or diverted by a legal order or a magistrate.
When the Definitive Map and Statement was made
The Definitive Map and Statement in Bath and North East Somerset has a 'Relevant Date' of 1956.
It was produced following extensive public consultation, during which time all landowners and members of the public had the opportunity to object to either the inclusion or exclusion of a route.
City of Bath Definitive Map and Statement
Public rights of way in the City of Bath were not included in the original Definitive Map and Statement, as the city was an 'excluded area'.
We are currently making a legal record of the public rights of way within the City of Bath, and made a first Definitive Map and Statement for Bath in 2006.
Find out more about the City of Bath Definitive Map project
View the Definitive Map and Statement
The Definitive Map and Statement are held in Keynsham Civic Centre. A copy of the Definitive Map and Statement is also stored in the Archives at the Guildhall, Bath.
To view the map and statement, you can make an appointment with our public rights of way team through our online form: