In 1947 the report of the committee on footpaths and access to the countryside was published recommending that all public rights of way should be surveyed and recorded on maps.

In 1949 all county councils in England and Wales were given the duty of surveying and mapping all public rights of way in their area, classifying them as footpaths, bridleways or roads used as public paths (now called byways). The surveys would have three stages: draft, provisional and definitive. The definitive maps would be taken as conclusive evidence that a path shown was a public right of way at the date the map was prepared.

The original definitive map for the Isle of Wight was produced in 1952 and reviewed in 1968. The current edition of the Definitive Map and Statement for the Isle of Wight has a ‘relevant date’ of 29th February 2000.

The map is based on the Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 map for the Isle of Wight. The map is available for inspection in all Isle of Wight public libraries, and most council offices. The map is for public inspection and reference only. It may not be copied without permission of the owner.

The definitive map and statement is conclusive proof of the existence and status of a right of way at the relevant date (29th February 2000). Where the map shows a footpath, bridleway or byway, the map shall be conclusive evidence that there was at the relevant date a highway as shown.

The Definitive map and statement may only be changed by and according to a Modification Order made by the surveying authority (In our case the Isle of Wight Council). The authority has a duty to continuously review and update the definitive map and statement so it forms an accurate record of the public rights of way network.

The Isle of Wight Definitive map and statement is divided into 20 parishes. Each public right of way is numbered and identified with the parish prefix initials e.g. BS100 is path number 100 in the parish of Brighstone:

A- Arreton, CB – Calbourne, N – Newport, S – Shalfleet, B – Brading, CS – Cowes, NC – Newchurch, SW – Shorwell, BB – Bembridge, F – Freshwater, NT - Niton & Whitwell, T – Totland, BS – Brighstone, G – Gatcombe, R – Ryde, V – Ventnor,
C – Chale, GL – Godshill, SS - Sandown & Shanklin, Y – Yarmouth.

Some parishes have been created since 1952 i.e. Gurnard, Lake, Nettlestone & Seaview, Rookley, St Helens, Wootton and Wroxall.

The parish prefix and number system is our way of identifying all of the paths on the island. You will find this path number on most of the signs that show the rights of way network.

The online digital definitive map can be viewed on our Digital Definitive Map page.
Please be aware that the relevant date for this map is 29th February 2000. Changes have occurred to the rights of way network since this date e.g. by diversion or extinguishment orders. For details of changes please email [email protected]. The viewing of the Digital Definitive Map 2000 must not be used in substitution of obtaining a Local Land Charges Search (optional question 5.1), the result of which will provide the accurate situation taking into account changes to the rights of way network since 29th February 2000.