by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Dorset Council has launched a consultation on the future of paths and bridleways.
The council wants to hear from residents about how these routes could be managed from 2026 until 2036.
A draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) has been proposed, aiming to make pathways more accessible, connected, and user-friendly for recreation, active travel, and everyday journeys.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate, Communications, Performance & Safeguarding, has encouraged residents to share their experiences and suggestions.
He emphasised the wide-ranging benefits of the paths, such as outdoor activity, access to services, and enhanced wellbeing.
He said: “Many of us use Dorset’s paths without giving them much thought. They help us get outdoors, walk the dog, reach local services, enjoy nature, and stay active.
“We want this plan to reflect the experiences of as many people as possible, not just regular users of the network. Whether you use local routes every day, occasionally, or feel there are barriers stopping you from using them, we want to hear from you.
“Your feedback will help us build on the strengths of Dorset’s extensive rights of way network and identify where opportunities exist to improve access, connectivity, and enjoyment for future generations.”
Dorset Council is responsible for maintaining and protecting more than 2,855 miles of routes across the county.
The draft plan includes ambitions to improve access for people of all abilities, create safer connections between schools and communities, expand traffic-free routes for walking, cycling, and horse riding, and make it easier for people to discover and navigate routes through improved signage and digital tools.
This draft plan complies with the statutory duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and lays out a comprehensive vision for how the public rights of way network can benefit communities, health and wellbeing, local businesses, sustainable travel, and access to nature over the next 10 years.
The consultation welcomes input from all users, whether they use the network daily or not at all.
Feedback will shape the final ROWIP before its adoption later this year.
The survey is open until October 12, 2026 on Dorset Council consultation page.
