Parish Paths
Did you know there are 40 Public Rights of Way (PROW) in the three parishes of Broxton, Duckington, and Harthill? Would you like to know more and perhaps get involved in keeping these paths open for your own use and that of others? If so, read on…
Why bother?
So who is responsible for PROW? We (the Parish Council) are also responding positively to the feedback from our 2019 parish survey and the wish to make better use of such a valuable resource.
Covering nearly 17 km (6.7 miles), the parish paths are for everyone to enjoy, offering a precious resource to experience and appreciate the beautiful landscape we have on our doorstep. They provide us with access to the countryside, offering opportunities to observe nature, learn about local cultural history, and better understand how the land is farmed and managed.
Using the paths on a regular basis encourages us to be more physically active, and helps to raise our spirits, as our experience of COVID-19 has frequently reminded us.
In addition to the immediate benefits if PROW are not used they may be lost from the landscape. Indeed, there may be PROWs which have ‘disappeared’ from the maps but until 2026 there is an opportunity to reclaim any that can be identified if evidence (e.g. from old maps) is forth-coming.
What is the commitment of the Parish Council?
Broxton and District Parish Council (BDPC) recognises the benefits to the community provided by the PROW network and seeks to ensure that the footpaths and bridleways in its three parishes are usable, well-maintained, and easy to access for the enjoyment and benefit of all.
BDPC therefore undertakes to work together with Cheshire West and Chester Council (the Highway Authority), landowners, members of the public, and volunteers to:
- promote the PROW network, through the Parish Council website and other channels;
- encourage volunteers to regularly walk the paths to ensure that they are in a usable condition;
- report path problems to Cheshire West and Chester Council;
- encourage landowners to keep PROW free from obstruction, and to look after gates, stiles, and footbridges;
- inform members of the public how to use PROW responsibly and to follow the Countryside Code;
- active pursue local projects such as the identification and publication of circular walking routes;
- promote and participate in events, such as local walk and ride festivals.
How can you get involved?
If you are still interested and want to get involved why not join us? We are looking for individuals and groups who would like to contribute and work with us in a variety of roles including:
- walking and reporting on the condition of particular paths;
- undertaking minor maintenance where necessary;
- getting involved in special projects e.g. exploring history of particular paths; developing circular routes.
Most importantly sharing your ideas for maximising the potential of this valuable asset within the context of the magical landscape of the Sandstone Ridge.
What you help maintain.
To express your interest please contact: [email protected]
Where are the PROW the parishes of Broxton, Duckington, and Harthill?
The Cheshire West and Chester Council Public Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement is the legal record of PROW in the 3 parishes. If a path is shown on the Definitive Map it has been designated as a public right of way. Every footpath on the Definitive Map has a written description associated with it (the Statement). Older statements often contain little information. Cheshire West and Chester Council has a duty to keep the map up-to-date.
The interactive version of the map can be accessed here:
https://maps.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cwac/webmapping
Using the map: If you haven’t used this map before the following should help you find the footpaths:
- Open the map
- Search for Broxton via the search facility
- Zoom out/in and move the map to see the area you are interested in
- Click the “+” symbol on the map tool bar
- Select ‘Leisure and Culture’ from the drop-down list
- elect ‘Footpaths’ from the new drop-down list and click on “Add selected layer” button.
- Return to the map and footpaths shown in ‘pink’ and identified by their numbers.
Each PROW is identified by a number in the form <parish name> FP ‘x’ e.g. Broxton FP10. A list of the PROW in our 3 parishes can be found here [link 6] but it should be noted that the numbers are not all sequential. The reasons for this are historical suggesting that some paths have been lost for various reasons. (An interesting area for research perhaps?).
Where are the PROW, trails, and walks in neighbouring parishes?
Being at the southern edge of the Sandstone Ridge we are blessed with easy access to 368 km of public rights of way. A number of circular walks and trails have been published, allowing you to explore our lovely scenery and interesting heritage and wildlife for a few hours or longer! These include four circular walks around the Iron Age hill forts that line the ridge, published by the Sandstone Ridge Trust, as well as longer distance paths, such as the Whitegate Way, Eddisbury Way, Baker Way, Delamere Way, Longster Trail, and North Cheshire Way. Not forgetting the 55 km Sandstone Trail itself for the more adventurous!
Full details of each of these walks, including leaflets that can be downloaded free of charge, are available by visiting the Sandstone Ridge website