Rights of Way Improvement Plan Delivery Reports : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria’s ROWIP was launched in July 2007. It shows how we might improve the extensive network of paths, tracks and other means of public access across Cumbria to meet the needs of the county’s residents and its many visitors both now and in the future.

Whilst it is a requirement under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) to prepare and publish a ROWIP, there is no statutory requirement, or specified funds to implement one. Annual Action plans set out detailed project work to be undertaken by the partners with support from other organisations. Effective and inclusive partnership working has ensured delivery on a number of projects. Equally impressive benefits have been derived from a whole host of partners who acknowledge and understand the importance of countryside access.

The Annual Delivery Reports capture the essence of these successes under the seven broad areas for improvement (listed below), identifies areas where difficulties were encountered and looks forward to the work required to seek external funding and the proposed project work for the forthcoming year:

Better information, interpretation and route maps

Improvements for walkers

Improvements for equestrians

Improvements for cyclists

All-ability improvements which serve wider needs

Guided and group activities

Other improvements – public transport promotion, advice to land managers, access to water