| Administrative History | There are over 3000 miles of public rights of way in Derbyshire, including footpaths, bridleways and byways. Prior to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, there was little clarity about where a right to travel on foot applied. The 1949 Act required highway authorities including Derbyshire County Council to survey public rights of way and produce a Definitive Map and Statement. The Countryside Act 1968 gave highway authorities additional powers and duties relating to the signing of public paths and maintenance of stiles and gates. It should be noted that revision of county boundaries can transfer these responsibilities from one authority to another, prompting changes to the numbering of footpaths and other rights of way. For instance, the Cheshire, Derbyshire, Hereford and Worcester and Staffordshire (County Boundaries) Order 1991 transferred small parts of Staffordshire to Derbyshire, together with some public rights of way. Derbyshire County Council's Rights Of Way team maintain a record of all rights of way currently in force, displayed through the Derbyshire Mapping Portal. |