This website makes extensive use of JavaScript. For a richer experience please enable JavaScript in your browser.

High contrast version - your agreement to receive cookies is required

To view a high contrast version of our website we will need to give your computer two cookies. These are functional cookies - they do not collect any of your personal data, but simply remember that you agree to receiving the colour scheme cookies and that you want this website to have a high contrast colour scheme.

If you would like to turn on the high contrast function and receive the cookies, click on the 'accept' button. You will be able to delete the cookies at any time from your machine. If you do not want these cookies or no longer want the site to appear in high contrast colours, click the 'cancel' button. If you do not accept the cookie this function will not work.

We are asking your permission to place these cookies on your machine as part of the European e-Privacy Directive which applies to all sites in the UK. You can find out more about the Directive, the cookies we use on our website and how you can control cookies at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/privacypolicy.htm#cookies.

Resizing the text size - your agreement to receive cookies is required

To change the size of the text on our website we will need to give your computer two cookies. These are functional cookies. One remembers that you have agreed to receiving the text size cookie while the other one remembers what size of text you have chosen to view the site with. Neither of the cookies collect any of your personal data.

If you would like to change the text size and receive the cookies, click on the 'accept' button. You will be able to delete the cookies at any time from your machine. If you do not want the cookies or no longer want the site to appear with different sized text, click the 'cancel' button. If you do not accept the cookies this function will not work.

Maintaining the Definitive Map

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 required all highway authorities to compile maps showing public rights of way. "Definitive Maps", as they are called, were drawn up from information submitted by parish councils, from surveys by other groups, and from old documents. They were prepared in three stages: Draft Map, Provisional Map and finally the Definitive Map. At each stage there was the opportunity to make objections about the inclusion or exclusion of any particular route.

The Definitive Map in relation to the Yorkshire Dales dates from the early 1950s and is conclusive evidence that the routes recorded are public rights of way. Even if such a path is seldom used, it remains legally open to the public. The public rights of way shown on Ordnance Survey maps are taken from the information held by Highway Authorities on their Definitive Maps.

Each footpath, bridleway and byway should also be described in the "Definitive Statement", which accompanies the map and which may give additional information about matters such as stiles and gates.

The Definitive Map is continually updated to take account of any legal changes that are made to the network as a result of diversions and so on, as well as the addition of paths previously omitted or the correction (even deletion) of paths that were wrongly shown.

Help or advice on any of these matters may be obtained from the Authority's Definitive Map Team.

Research into Low Lane/Thoresby Lane

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is investigating a route known as Low Lane/Thoresby Lane which runs between Carperby and Redmire in Wensleydale. The aim of this research is to determine if this route should be added to the Definitive Map for the area, and what status it should have. Currently the route is not recorded as a Right of Way or on the List of Streets held by North Yorkshire County Council.

We would like to hear from anyone that has used this route in the past, especially if this was on horse or cycle, and would be grateful if you could fill in the: