Long Distance Paths

LDWA's Role for LDP's

The LDWA is the UK Governing Body for long distance walking and is recognised by Sport England. Its two roles in relation to long distance paths are:

• Documenting and publicising the overall LDPs network in the UK, both on this site and in other ways. The LDWA has been the pioneer in this work, with its Handbook being the recognised definitive directory of the LDPs network over some 30 years and seven editions of the book, supplemented by the Chart in the last 10 years with its two editions.
• Implementing the E-Routes network where it passes within the UK and publicising these E-Routes. This is a coordinating role as the LDWA itself does not have the funds to develop or maintain these routes in detail, nor to pay to advertise them.

The LDWA does not generally involve itself in the development, funding, waymarking or upkeep of individual LDPs, nor is it a prime political lobbying body on behalf of walkers’ rights. Individual LDWA members are active in these respects but do so on their own account and their views may not be those of the LDWA. There are other UK bodies that lobby on behalf of walkers, with many covering specific issues at local levels. The Ramblers are the major national body, with substantial staff and financial resources dedicated to this role on behalf of all walkers.

Path problems should always be reported in the first instance to the local authority public rights of way section, that is responsible legally for maintaining the surface of the rights of way themselves, ensuring they are free of undergrowth and obstructions. For information on the local authority, DirectGov provides contact details and weblinks – look under the Directories tab.