Public Footpath System and the Management in Britain

Abstract

In Britain, Public Footpath system of Right of way is the most important and popular means for informal outdoor recreation. This paper aimes to clarify the Britain's Public Footpath System of 140, 000km in total length and the management, in order to contribute to the development or improvement of the Japanese public footpath system.
The Right of Way was historically existent as a custom and used for long way traveling. However, by 1940, a spread of motorcar and a trouble between landowner and walker demanded the separate route system and the fixed law. Then the Right of Way was provided in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The Act specify about the each duty of administrative organ, landowner and walker such as mapping, route facilities, growth removing, walker's manner, etc.
There are three route types of “Local paths”, “Regional routes” and National trails in the network of the Right of Way. The former two type are mainly local use and maintained by local government. National trails are planned by the Countryside Commission of central government organ, and directly managed or paid for the costs. Since Pennine Way in 1965 (402km), the 13 routes of 3151km in total length are accomplished in passing through the National Parks, Helitage Coasts, Outstanding Natural Beauty.