Footpath numbers can be found on the following on-line map: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/sites/default/files/folders/documents/environmentandplanning/countryside/definitivemap/defmapPDFs/SU29SE.pdf
I have (notionally) divided the parish into three sectors:
1/ North of Highworth Road
2/ South of Highworth Road, but North of Church
3/ South of Church.
I have surveyed all of the paths in the northernmost section. The only issues to report are that bridleway 1 which crosses a ploughed field has not been restored subsequent to ploughing and part of the right of way is not extant. The way-marking for bridleway 3 in front of Badbury Hill House is unclear and could be improved.
The middle section is mostly done. Footpath 21 also crosses a ploughed field and is not extant. The stiles on footpath 13 are higher than recommended by the guidance, but I suspect that there would be little value in raising this as an issue with OCC and the Ramblers Assoc. The bridge at the village end of this footpath is narrow and has no handrail. We have already flagged this up with the OCC but no action has been taken yet. I will follow this up with the Council and the Ramblers Assoc. Footpath 17 is the steep cobble section leading up to the church. I've been up it recently. Although there is some moss on the stones, the footing was firm. I suspect that it could be slippery in the wet and/or frost, but am concerned that if we raise this as an issue it might lead to replacement by concrete steps and a steel handrail.
I’ve still got most of the southern section to inspect, although there are few paths in this sector of the parish
I will report all of the issues discovered to the relevant parties.
I hope to have completed my exploration by the summer and will report again.
Ian Mason
I have (notionally) divided the parish into three sectors:
1/ North of Highworth Road
2/ South of Highworth Road, but North of Church
3/ South of Church.
I have surveyed all of the paths in the northernmost section. The only issues to report are that bridleway 1 which crosses a ploughed field has not been restored subsequent to ploughing and part of the right of way is not extant. The way-marking for bridleway 3 in front of Badbury Hill House is unclear and could be improved.
The middle section is mostly done. Footpath 21 also crosses a ploughed field and is not extant. The stiles on footpath 13 are higher than recommended by the guidance, but I suspect that there would be little value in raising this as an issue with OCC and the Ramblers Assoc. The bridge at the village end of this footpath is narrow and has no handrail. We have already flagged this up with the OCC but no action has been taken yet. I will follow this up with the Council and the Ramblers Assoc. Footpath 17 is the steep cobble section leading up to the church. I've been up it recently. Although there is some moss on the stones, the footing was firm. I suspect that it could be slippery in the wet and/or frost, but am concerned that if we raise this as an issue it might lead to replacement by concrete steps and a steel handrail.
I’ve still got most of the southern section to inspect, although there are few paths in this sector of the parish
I will report all of the issues discovered to the relevant parties.
I hope to have completed my exploration by the summer and will report again.
Ian Mason
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