Unavailable public rights of way routes

1 About unavailable routes

Sections of the West Sussex rights of way network sometimes become unavailable. Closures are usually temporary and are to protect your safety. On rare occasions paths may become subject to a permanent closure order.

The unavailable paths listed here are not available for use by the public and are without a locally signed alternative.

Please be aware that although these website pages are updated regularly, it is sometimes necessary to close a path as an emergency or for short periods of time. In such cases information may not be available on the website.

2 Temporary closures

Please see below a list of longer term temporary closures on our network. For enquiries about short term closures of up to 21 days, please contact the PRoW Team.

* Closure may be lifted sooner if works are completed ahead of schedule. An extension may also be required and we will state this from the outset if we are aware that it will be a longer closure.

To view the location of an affected footpath or bridleway, launch the iMap, select 'Path number' from the drop-down list and enter the relevant path or bridleway number in the search box.

Ansty and Staplefield

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 104CR - Closed for a distance of approximately 220 metres at location TQ331222.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 4 June 2019 until 3 December 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while drainage works are undertaken.
  
  • FP104CR - Details and map (PDF, 55KB)

Ardingly

• Affected route: Public Footpath Nos. 7_1Ba and 3Ar - Closed from its junction with Paddockhurst Lane (TQ326315) generally east to its junction with public footpath No. 4Ar (TQ342317), a distance of approximately 2km.
• Duration: Closed for 10 days from 17 September until 26 September 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while bridge replacement works are undertaken.
  
  • FP7_1Ba and 3Ar - Details and map (PDF, 453KB)

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 1919 - Closed from its junction with Wooddale Lane east to its junction with public bridleway 1918, a distance of approximately 780 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 29 March 2019 until 28 September 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a damaged footbridge.
  
  • FP1919 - Details and map (PDF, 142KB)

Chichester

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 176 - Closed from its junction with Via Ravenna (SU853044) south, across the railway, a distance of approximately 115 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 10 days from 26 October until 4 November 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while the scaffolding is removed from around the railway bridge.
  • FP176 - Details and map (PDF, 65KB)

Crawley/Rusper

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 1511 - Closed from its junction with Charlwood Road, south to its junction with Rectory Lane, a distance of approximately 675 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 8 months until 15 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to the footbridge having fallen into disrepair.
  • FP1511 - Details and map (PDF, 152KB)

Duncton

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 715 - Closed from its junction with public footpath 716, generally north to its junction with the A285, a distance of approximately 560 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 27 March 2019 until 26 September 2019* and is likely to be extended after this.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a damaged footbridge.
  • FP715 - Details and map (PDF, 75KB)

East Grinstead

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 44aEG - Closed from its junction with Imberhorne Lane (TQ376383) east to its junction with Garden Wood Road (TQ380384), a distance of approximately 340 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 2 days from 25 September until 26 September 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while tree works are undertaken.
• BW44aEG - Details and map (PDF, 592KB)

Hassocks

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 10C - Closed from their respective junctions with Deer Park, south to TQ212164, a distance from the road of approximately 215 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 18 months until 28 February 2021*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken.
• FP10C - Details and map (PDF, 83KB)

Haywards Heath

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 19dCU - Closed for a distance of approximately 210 metres near Penland Farm (TQ322254).
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 23 April until 22 October 2019, after which an extension will likely need to be sought*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while construction works are undertaken on adjacent land.
• FP19dCU - Details and map (PDF, 53KB)

Haywards Heath

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 28CU - Closed from its junction with Fox Hill south-west to its junction with an East Sussex bridleway at the county boundary.
• Duration: Closed for 18 months until 5 March 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken.
• FP28CU - Details and map (PDF, 181KB)

Henfield

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3514 - Closed from its junction with West End Lane (TQ205161) in a northerly direction to its junction with public footpath No. 2524_1 (TQ205164), a distance of approximately 285 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 16 September 2019 until 6 October 2019 and will be followed by a further closure.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surfacing works are undertaken.
• BW3514 - Details and map (PDF, 79KB)

Kirdford/Fittleworth

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 3250 - Closed from its junction with Wakestone Lane (TQ013229) going in an easterly direction to its junction with public bridleway No. 770 (TQ022227), a distance of approximately 325m.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 30 June 2019 until 29 December 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while ground works continue on site.
• FP3250 - Details and map (PDF, 321KB)

Kirdford/Plaistow

• Affected route: Footpath No. 564 - Closed from its junction with footpath No. 627, east to its junction with restricted byway No. 633, a distance of approximately 1.7km; Restricted Byway No. 639 - Closed from its junction with footpath No. 627, south to its junction with restricted byway No. 640, a distance of approximately 1.1km; and Byway No. 3519, which runs parallel to a section of footpath No. 564 - Closed from its junction with restricted byway No. 639, east to its junction with restricted byway No. 633, a distance of approximately 710 metres.
• Duration: Closed until 24 June 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while works are undertaken to decommission the anaerobic digestion plant.
• FP564, RB639, Byway 3519 - Details and map (PDF, 194KB)

Milland

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3271 - Closed from its junction with footpath 42Hu, north to the county boundary, a distance of approximately 1.5km.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months until 12 February 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a bridle bridge having fallen into disrepair. 
  • BW3271 - Details and map (PDF, 247KB)

Pyecombe

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 27Py - South Downs Way - Closed for a distance of approximately 145 metres alongside Clayton Hill (A273) (TQ293128).
• Duration: Closed for 17 days from 25 September until 11 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while improvement works are undertaken.
  • BW27Py - Details and map (PDF, 172KB)

Shipley

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 1966 - Closed from its junction with Public Footpath 1965 (TQ129220) heading in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 290 metres to its junction with Public Footpath 1968 (TQ129217).
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 11 June 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a bridle bridge having fallen into disrepair.
  • BW1966 - Details and map (PDF, 125KB)

Slinfold

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 1463 - Closed from its junction with Five Oaks Road, north to its junction with public footpath No. 1469, a distance of approximately 540m.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 1 May 2019 until 30 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surfacing works are undertaken.
  • BW1463 - Details and map (PDF, 190KB)

Southwater

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 1661 - Closed from its junction with Houghton Bridge, following the river south to its junction with Worthing Road, a distance of approximately 180 metres.
• Duration: Closed until 4 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while construction works are undertaken adjacent to the path. 
  • FP1661 - Details and map (PDF, 185KB)

Southwater

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3568_1 - Closed from it’s junction with public bridleway No.3568 (TQ153265) south-south-west to its junction with Church Lane (TQ153263), a distance of approximately 200 metres.
• Duration: Closed until 1 March 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while improvement works are undertaken.
  • BW3568_1 - Details and map (PDF, 81KB)

Southwater

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3568 - Closed for a distance of approximately 150 metres south-east from its junction with bridleway no. 3568_1 (TQ153265).
• Duration: Closed for 18 months until 30 July 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while construction works are undertaken adjacent to the bridleway.
  • FP3568 - Details and map (PDF, 178KB)

Steyning

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3510 - Closed from its junction with public footpath 2600, generally east to its junction with public bridleway 2585_1, a distance of approximately 1.2km.
• Duration: Closed for 10 months until 19 December 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a bridge being broken and unsafe.
  • BW3510 - Details and map (PDF, 294KB)

Storrington and Sullington

• Affected route: Public Footpath Nos. 2657 - Closed for a distance of approximately 125 metres from its junction with West Street (TQ084143) south to the field boundary at TQ085142.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 27 May until 26 November 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety during construction works of the new surgery.
  • FP2657 – Details and map (PDF, 95KB)

West Chiltington

• Affected route: G-Class Highway No. 46 - Closed from its junction with Broadford Bridge Road (TQ095204) broadly north-east to the junction in the highway (TQ099207) a distance of approximately 550 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 9 September until 29 September 2019 and may be followed by a further closure.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surface improvement works are undertaken and consolidated.
  • G46 - Details and map (PDF, 168KB)

West Chiltington/Thakeham

• Affected route: Public Bridleway Nos. 2473 and 3676 - Closed from its junction with Threals Lane (TQ091168) heading in an easterly direction for a distance of approximately 770 metres to its junction with Linfield Copse (TQ098169).
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 29 August until 17 September 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surfacing works are undertaken and the surface consolidates.
  • BW2473 and BW3676 - Details and map (PDF, 181KB)

West Grinstead

• Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3566 - The Downs Link - Closed from its junction with Steyning Road (by Need’s Bridge) (TQ183206) south, then southeast to its junction with Bines Road in Partridge Green (TQ189189), a distance of approximately 1.9km.
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 16 September until 6 October 2019 and will be followed by a further closure.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surfacing works are undertaken.
  • BW3566 - Details and map (PDF, 231KB)

West Hoathly

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 11WH - Closed from its junction with Top Road (TQ371324) in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 345 metres (TQ372321).
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 16 September until 6 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while surface improvement works are undertaken.
  • FP11WH - Details and map (PDF, 316KB)

Westbourne

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 255 - Closed from its junction with Top Road (TQ371324) in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 345 metres (TQ372321).
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 4 September until 24 September 2019, and it will be followed by a longer closure*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while restoration work is undertaken.
  • FP255 - Details and map (PDF, 173KB)

Wisborough Green/Billingshurst

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 780_1 - Closed from its junction with public bridleway 755, east to its junction with public footpath 780_2, a distance of approximately 725 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months until 9 October 2019, but will likely be extended after this.
• Reason: To protect public safety due to a damaged footbridge.
  
  • FP780 1 - 6 months - Details and map (PDF, 154KB)

Worth

• Affected route: Public Footpath Nos. 1W and 2W - Closed from Shipley Bridge Lane (307396) westwards to the western side of the bridge over the M23 and public footpath 2W, from its junction with the footbridge over the M23, southwards to its junction with Copthorne Road (TQ308388), a total distance of approximately 1.9km.
• Duration: Closed for 21 days from 15 September 2019 and then for 6 months until 2 April 2020*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while property development is built on adjacent land. 
  • FPs1W and 2W - Details and map (PDF, 200KB)

Worthing

• Affected route: Public Footpath Nos. 3114 and 3127-2 - Closed around their junction for approximately 180 metres north to south and approximately 310 metres west to east.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months until 23 December 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while ground works continue on site.
  • FP3114 and FP3127_2 - Details and map (PDF, 81KB)

Yapton

• Affected route: Public Footpath No. 167 - Closed from its junction with Burndell Road, south-south-west to its junction with public footpath no. 166, a distance of approximately 310 metres.
• Duration: Closed for 6 months from 8 April 2019 until 7 October 2019*.
• Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken.
  • FP167 - 6 months - Details and map (PDF, 128KB)

3 Unavailable paths

To view the location of an affected footpath or bridleway, launch the iMap, select 'Path number' from the drop-down list and enter the relevant path or bridleway number in the search box.

Aldwick

• Affected route: Path number 140/2 - Closed from Trinity Way (SZ 916 995) to Cambridge Drive (SZ916995)
• Reason: Due to the legal line having been built over.

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Path number 1321 - Closed from Marringdean Road (TQ 089 241) to west of Kingslea Farm (TQ 087 242)
• Reason: Due to the legal line being obstructed by caravans, vehicles and outbuildings. 

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Path number 1913 - Closed from the northern side of the railway (TQ 117 258) to Pratts Farm (TQ 118 257)
• Reason: Due to a missing railway crossing point.

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Path number 1919 - Closed along Wooddale Lane TQ 099 262 to TQ 100 263
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences and an anomaly at Lower Woodlands.

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Path number 1920 - Closed from the New Road (TQ 107 268) to the southern end of Priors Farm (TQ 104 265)
• Reason: Due to obstructing wall, building and fences.

Billingshurst

• Affected route: Path number 1925 - Closed from its junction with path number 1924 at Kettlesbridge Farm (TQ 106 245) northwards to West Chiltington Lane (TQ109 247) opposite path number 1906. The continuation of footpath 1925 from this point northwards is available for use.
  
• Reason: Due to the legal line being unclear through farm buildings and development.

Bolney

• Affected route: Path number 17Bo - Closed from Stairbridge Lane (TQ 273 208) to Jobs Lane (TQ 278 204)
• Reason: Due to the legal line being obstructed by development and a lake.

Burpham

• Affected route: Path number 2222 - Closed from the cricket ground (TQ 039 088) to Jacobs Ladder (TQ 039 085)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences.

Burpham

• Affected route: Path number 2230 - Closed from Burpham Road (TQ 043 084) to the southern end of Splash Farm (TQ 041 084)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences.

Colgate

• Affected route: Path number 1698/1 - Closed from junction with footpath number 2822/1 (TQ 219 312) to junction with footpath number 2814 (TQ 220 312)
• Reason: Due to obstructing hedges.

Crawley

• Affected route: Path number 350/1Sy - Closed from Poles Lane (TQ 264 392) to south of 'Grove Cottage' (TQ 264 390)
• Reason: Due to the legal line running through a private garden.

Ferring

• Affected route: Path number 2136 - Closed from the A280 (TQ 088 053) to Pot Lane (TQ 092 049)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fence and buildings.

Ford

• Affected route: Path number 200/4 - Closed from Ford Road (SU 000 036) to south of 'Conifers' (SU 998 035)
• Reason: This path is a continuation of a previously extinguished path and runs to the middle of a field.

Fulking

• Affected route: Bridleway number 11F - Closed from Unitary Authority Boundary (TQ 249 101) to the Parish Boundary (TQ 252 105)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences.

Henfield and Steyning

• Affected route: Path number 2563 - Closed from junction with bridleway number 3511 (TQ 195 132) to TQ 205 144
• Reason: Due to obstructing fence and missing bridge.

Heyshott

• Affected route: Path number 970 - Closed from Heyshott Green (SU 897 187) to Hoyle (SU 906 186)
• Reason: Due to missing bridges, felled trees and uncertainly as to the legal line on the ground.

Horsham

• Affected route: Footpath number 3690 - Closed from north of St Leonards Park (TQ 201 311) south to junction with bridleway 1697/2 (TQ 200 307) 

Lindfield Rural

• Affected route: Path number 35LR - Closed from junction with public footpath 29CU (TQ 350 237) to Lyoth Lane (TQ 350 238)

Milland

• Affected route: Bridleway number 1181 - Closed at the northern end (SU 823 296)
• Reason: Due to obstruction of the route.

Patching

• Affected route: Path number 2180 - Closed in Barnstake Copse from TQ 080 070 to TQ 076 075
• Reason: Due to obstruction by standing trees.

Patching

• Affected route: Path number 2211/1 - Closed in Michelgrove Park from TQ 075 081 to TQ 079 080
• Reason: Due to obstruction by standing trees.

Plaistow

• Affected route: Path number 3236 - Closed between junctions with bridleway number 635 ( TQ 024 316) and bridleway number 809 (TQ 028 319)
• Reason: Due to obstruction by fences and hedges.

Plaistow

• Affected route: Path number 629 - Closed between junctions with footpath number 638/1 (TQ 025 292) and bridleway number 2850 (TQ 029 291)
• Reason: Due to obstruction by hedge and missing bridge.

Poynings

• Affected route: Bridleway number 22P - Closed from the Parish boundary (TQ 252 105) north east towards Devils Dyke at TQ 253 107
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences.

Pulborough

• Affected route: Path number 2331 - Closed from New Place Road (TQ 053 190) to north of Spinney North (TQ 054 189)
• Reason:  Due to obstruction by two chain link fences.

Shipley

• Affected route: Path number 1905/1 - Closed from Emms Lane (TQ 129 259) to Trout Lane (TQ 131 258)
• Reason: Due to the legal line being blocked by buildings.

Shipley

• Affected route: Path number 1948 - Closed from Coolham Road (TQ 128 248) to junction with footpath 2801 (TQ 131 246)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fence and buildings.

Shipley

• Affected route: Path number 2801 - Closed from Coolham Road (TQ 127 246) to junction with footpath 1907 (TQ 122 247)
• Reason: Due to kennels obstructing the legal line.

Slinfold

• Affected route: Path number 1369 - Closed from public bridleway number 3569 (TQ 106 313) to Stane Street (TQ 110 314)
• Reason: Due to the legal line of the route being blocked on the ground.

South Stoke

• Affected route: Path number 2266/1 - Closed from Swanbourne Lake (TQ 018 079) to the Black Rabbit pub (TQ 024 084)
• Reason: Due to path being blocked by fallen trees.

Steyning and Henfield

• Affected route: Path number 2563 - Closed from junction with bridleway number 3511 (TQ 195 132) to TQ 205 144
• Reason: Due to obstructing fence and missing bridge.

Storrington and Sullington

• Affected route: Path number 2683 - Closed from junction with public bridleway 2251 (TQ 084 128) east to junction with public footpath 2684 (TQ 088 127)
• Reason: Due to fencing and a general state of long-term disuse.

Sutton

• Affected route: Bridleway number 413 - Closed from the southern end of West Wood (SU 951 126), south east, to the junction with BW412 (SU 952 126).
• Reason: Due to obstructing standing trees.

West Grinstead

• Affected route: Path number 1847 - From Hookshile Wood (TQ 174 191) to west of Furzevale Wood (TQ 180 194)
• Reason: Due to obstructing fences and a missing bridge.

Westbourne

• Affected route: Path number 247 - Closed from the northern side of the A27 (SU 774 071) to the southern side of the A27 (SU 774 070)
• Reason: Due to the legal line being crossed by the A27.

Worth

• Affected route: Path number 41W - Closed from Snow Hill (TQ 343 398) to west of Prevetts (TQ 341 397)
• Reason: Due to the legal line being obstructed by two domestic buildings.

Worth

• Affected route: Path number 45bW - Closed from north of Kenwards Farm (TQ 345 396) to Furnace Pond (TQ 348 392)
• Reason: Due to obstruction by eight domestic buildings.

Yapton

• Affected route: Path number 326 - A section is closed to the west of Clays Farm between SU 976 039 and SU 977 038
• Reason: Due to obstruction by fences and a missing bridge.

4 Permanent closures

To view the location, launch the iMap, select 'Path number' from the drop-down list and enter the relevant path, bridleway or byway number in the search box.

Kingston

• Affected route: Restricted byway number 3623
• Date closed: 9 June 1997
• Note: Closed to motorised traffic for the entire length of the path

Graffham

• Affected route: Restricted byway number 952
• Date closed: 31 January 2005
• Note: Closed to motorised traffic for the entire length of the path

Restrictions of use between Washington and Amberley

• Affected routes: Roads used as Public Paths (RUAPPs) Nos. 2673, 2092, 2693 and 2280 - RUAPPs is a previous category of right of way that were replaced by restricted byways in 2006.
• Date closed: 16 August 1989
• Note: Closed to all vehicles except bicycles
• Traffic Regulation Order Nos. 2673, 2092, 2693 and 2280 - Order (PDF, 61KB)
• Traffic Regulation Order Nos. 2673, 2092, 2693 and 2280 - Map (PDF, 468KB)

Supporting documents

• WSCC Revised Policy on the Management of Public Rights of Way Traffic Regulation Orders (PDF, 122KB)