Everyone who uses our network of Public Rights of Way (PROW), e.g. footpaths and bridleways, will occasionally encounter seemingly incomprehensible dead ends or missing sections (‘gaps’). Indeed, we have some examples in and around Hodnet parish
All who value access to the countryside are encouraged to have a look at this website’s new “Clip CLOP” Appeal page for more information on a local campaign to legally (re)establish, as a bridleway, a long used but now blocked route between Ollerton and Peplow. If succesful, this will complete a ‘gap’ in our local network.
After you have visited it, we hope you will feel able to support it in some way – whether financial or practical.
Visit the Clip CLOP page HERE.
GAPS – More Information.
Often, ‘gaps’ in the current network are the result of inadequate recording of historically used routes when the first official PROW maps were drawn up, by Parish and County Councils, in the 1950’s. Sometimes these ‘gaps’ may reflect a past reluctance of Parish Councils to act against the expressed/supposed wishes of influential local landowners – who might not wish to have certain past routes formally recognised/recorded as passing over their land. Either way, The Ramblers organisation have recorded thousands of past used routes that are ‘missing’ from the current official (Definitive) rights of way maps – as part of their “Don’t Lose Your Way” campaign.
Hodnet Footpath Group. October 2022.