Unavailable Public Rights of Way routes

Check which routes are temporarily unavailable, and which have been permanently closed.

  1. About unavailable routes
  2. Temporary closures
  3. Unavailable paths
  4. Permanent closures

1 About unavailable routes

WSCC is following Government advice regarding the closure of Public Rights of Way in response to COVID-19. The network currently remains open and legislation does not exist that would allow WSCC, as Local Highways Authority, to close paths due to COVID-19 at this time. Should this change, we will respond accordingly.

Current advice is that, with appropriate social distancing in place, it is possible to use local Public Rights of Way responsibly. Please make sure you wash you hands thoroughly when returning home from walking on Public Rights of Way as you will have touched gates and stiles that may have been used by others.

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

WSCC is following Government advice regarding the closure of Public Rights of Way in response to COVID-19. The network currently remains open and legislation does not exist that would allow WSCC, as Local Highways Authority, to close paths due to COVID-19 at this time. Should this change, we will respond accordingly.

Current advice is that, with appropriate social distancing in place, it is possible to use local Public Rights of Way responsibly. Please make sure you wash you hands thoroughly when returning home from walking on Public Rights of Way as you will have touched gates and stiles that may have been used by others.

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.

Angmering

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 2140, from its junction with Public Footpath No. 2139_3 (TQ082042) easterly to its junction with Public Footpath No. 2137 (TQ088041) for a distance of approximately 630 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 15 April until 14 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to the collapse of the bridleway because of a badger sett.
  • Details and map: BW2140 - 6 months (PDF, 189KB)

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 21 January 2020 until 20 July 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken on adjacent land.
  • Details and map: FP104CR (PDF, 54KB)

Apuldram

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 37 - Closed from its junction with Public Footpath No. 37_2 (SU829013) heading southerly for a distance of approximately 190 metres to the south side of the marina entrance.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 24 February until 23 August 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while essential maintenance works are undertaken on the lock gates.
  • Details and map: FP37 - 6 months (PDF, 470KB)

Arundel

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 206 - Closed from its junction with A27 (TQ014068) generally southerly to its junction with Public Footpath 207 (TQ011062), and Public Footpath No. 3080 from its junction with Ford Road (TQ012067) going south-east to meet the closed section of Public Footpath No. 206 (TQ013067), a total distance of approximately 750 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 30 March until 29 September 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect and allow the Environment Agency to undertake flood defence improvement works along the River Arun.
  • Details and map: Permissive FP 206 (PDF, 138KB)

Ashurst Wood

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 18aEG, from its junction with Hammerwood Road (TQ415367) south-westerly to its junction with Lewes Road (TQ415366) for a distance of approximately 80 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 22 April until 21 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to the unsafe surface of the footpath.
  • Details and map: BW748 - 6 months (PDF, 120KB)

Barnham/Eastergate

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 323, from its junction with Public Footpath No. 321 (SU953047) south-easterly to its junction with Church Lane (SU957038) for a distance of approximately 1.1 km.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 27 April 2020 until 26 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to the collapse of the staircase approaching the railway crossing.
  • Details and map: FP323 - 6 months (PDF, 143KB)

Bignor/Sutton

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 748, from its junction with Public Bridleway No. 748_1 (SU990162) south-westerly to its junction with Public Footpath No. 765 (SU985155) for a distance of approximately 960 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 1 May until 31 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to damaged path surface around the culvert.
  • Details and map: BW748 - 6 months (PDF, 120KB)

Duncton

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 715 - Closed from its junction with Duncton High Street (SU959169) heading southerly to its junction with Public Footpath No. 716 (SU959164) for a distance of approximately 555 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 21 days from 25 April 2020, and then for 6 months until 16 November 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to a footbridge having fallen into disrepair.
  • Details and map: FP715 - 21 day closure (PDF, 83KB)
  • Details and map: FP715 - 6 month closure (PDF, 80KB)

Harting

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 839, from its junction with Restricted Byway 840 (SU778186) north-easterly to its junction with Public Footpath No. 841 (SU783188) for a distance of approximately 640 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 21 days from 7 May until 27 May 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to damage to the footpath surface.
  • Details and map: FP839 - 21 days (PDF, 78KB)

Hassocks

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 9C - Closed from its junction with Public Footpath No. 10C (TQ297163) generally easterly to its junction with London Road (TQ302164), a total distance of approximately 535 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 18 October 2019 and then for a further 15 months until 18 July 2021*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while property development works are undertaken on adjacent land.
  • Details and map: FP9C - 6 months (PDF, 78KB)
  • Details and map: FP9C - 15 months (PDF, 77KB)

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.
  • Details and map: FP10C (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 until 23 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while construction works are undertaken on adjacent land.
  • Details and map: FP19dCU - 6 month closure (PDF, 58KB)

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 a further 12 months until 4 March 2021*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken.
  • Details and map: FP28CU - 12 months (PDF, 211KB)

Houghton

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 2932_1, from its junction with B2139 (TQ024118) south-westerly to its junction with Public Bridleway No. 2268 (TQ018112) for a distance of approximately 835 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 21 days from 7 May until 27 May 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while bridge replacement works are undertaken.
  • Details and map: BW2932_1 - 21 days (PDF, 245KB)

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.
  • Details and map: FP564, RB639, Byway 3519 (PDF, 194KB)

Kirdford

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 2851_1 - Closed from its junction with Public Footpath No. 765 (TQ028268) generally northerly to its junction with Public Bridleway No. 2581 (TQ032276), a total distance of approximately 895 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 31 March until 30 September 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to animal activity causing the path surface to collapse.
  • Details and map: BW2851_1 (PDF, 124KB)

Lower Beeding

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 2794 - Closed from its junction with Horsham Road (TQ246290), generally north-west to its junction with Public Footpath No. 1705 (TQ239294), a distance of approximately 800 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 12 February until 11 August 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to an unsafe dam/culvert and to allow repair work to be undertaken.
  • Details and map: BW2794 (PDF, 257KB)

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 12 months until 12 February 2021*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to a bridle bridge having fallen into disrepair.
  • Details and map: BW3271 (PDF, 250KB)

Parham

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 2428, from its junction with Public Footpath No. 2429 (TQ053180) south then south-easterly to its junction with Church Lane (TQ060167) for a distance of approximately 1.7km.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 29 April until 28 October 2020.*
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to the collapse of a large culvert.
  • Details and map: FP2428 - 6 months (PDF, 161KB)

Rudgwick

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 1385, from its junction with Lynwick Street (TQ082338) south-easterly to its junction with Church Street (TQ086333) for a distance of approximately 665 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 21 April until 20 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to a landslip undermining the path surface.
  • Details and map: FP1385 - 6 months (PDF, 232KB)

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 for 6 months until 1 September 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while improvement works are undertaken.
  • Details and map: BW3568 - 1 - 6 months (PDF, 85KB)

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.
  • Details and map: FP3568 (PDF, 178KB)

West Grinstead

  • Affected route: Public Bridleway No. 3566 – Down’s Link - , from the car park off Cowfold Road (TQ183226) southerly to its junction with Steyning Road (TQ183206) for a distance of approximately 630 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 21 days from 20 April 2020, and then a further 21 days until 1 June 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while works are undertaken along the closed route.
  • Details and map: BW3566 - 1st - 21 days - (PDF, 200KB)
  • Details and map: BW3566 - 2nd - 21 days - (PDF, 200KB)

Westhampnett/Oving

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 553 - Closed from its junction with Coach Road (South) (SU884057) south-west parallel to the A27 bypass to the Portfield Roundabout (SU877054), a distance of approximately 755 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 6 months from 23 January 2020 until 22 July 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while construction works are undertaken in the vicinity.
  • Details and map: FP553 (PDF, 190KB)

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 12 months until 10 October 2020.
  • Reason: To protect public safety due to a damaged footbridge.
  • Details and map: FP780 1 - 12 months (PDF, 158KB)

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 until 2 April 2020 and then for a further 6 months until 3 October 2020*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while property development is built on adjacent land.
  • Details and map: FPs1W and 2W (PDF, 203KB)

Yapton

  • Affected route: Public Footpath No. 167 - Closed from its junction with Burndell Road (SU982030) south-south-west to its junction with Public Footpath No. 166 (SU981027) for a distance of approximately 310 metres.
  • Duration: Closed for 12 months from 8 May 2020 until 8 May 2021*.
  • Reason: To protect public safety while development works are undertaken.
  • Details and map: FP167 12 months (PDF, 152KB)

3 Unavailable paths

WSCC is following Government advice regarding the closure of Public Rights of Way in response to COVID-19. The network currently remains open and legislation does not exist that would allow WSCC, as Local Highways Authority, to close paths due to COVID-19 at this time. Should this change, we will respond accordingly.

Current advice is that, with appropriate social distancing in place, it is possible to use local Public Rights of Way responsibly. Please make sure you wash you hands thoroughly when returning home from walking on Public Rights of Way as you will have touched gates and stiles that may have been used by others.

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 the River Adur (TQ 177 192)
  • Reason: Due to 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

WSCC is following Government advice regarding the closure of Public Rights of Way in response to COVID-19. The network currently remains open and legislation does not exist that would allow WSCC, as Local Highways Authority, to close paths due to COVID-19 at this time. Should this change, we will respond accordingly.

Current advice is that, with appropriate social distancing in place, it is possible to use local Public Rights of Way responsibly. Please make sure you wash you hands thoroughly when returning home from walking on Public Rights of Way as you will have touched gates and stiles that may have been used by others.

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:

Supporting documents

Last updated:
12 May 2020
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