Public rights of way — the footpaths, bridleways, cycle routes and byways that weave through our city streets, villages, and countryside — are a vital part of life in Newport. They connect communities, provide safe and sustainable travel options, and open up opportunities for leisure, health, and enjoyment of the outdoors.
A Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) is a statutory document that every local authority must prepare. Newport City Council’s ROWIP sets out how we will manage, maintain, and enhance the rights of way network across the whole city — from busy urban areas to our rural landscapes. The plan looks not only at the condition of paths today, but also at how they can better meet the needs of walkers, cyclists, horse riders, people with disabilities, and future generations.
We need a ROWIP because:
- It ensures Newport’s network is safe, accessible, and fit for purpose in both town and countryside.
- It helps promote active travel and healthier lifestyles across all communities.
- It supports tourism, local businesses, and the wider economy.
- It protects and celebrates Newport’s natural and cultural heritage.
Your views are essential. By taking part in this survey, you will help shape priorities for investment, identify barriers to access, and highlight opportunities for improvement. Whether you use rights of way daily in the city, occasionally in rural areas, or simply value the network as part of Newport’s identity, your experiences and ideas will guide us in creating a plan that truly reflects community needs. To see a map of the Newport area please click here.
Thank you for getting involved — together we can make Newport’s rights of way stronger, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone.
