PUBLIC paths through some of North Yorkshire's most spectacular scenery are excellent - and getting better - according to a new report.

A new survey has found the vast majority of footpaths and other rights of way across the North York Moors are up to scratch.

Richard Gunton, director of recreation and park management at the National Park Authority, said: "The public rights of way network is the authority's most important resource for enabling the public to enjoy the special qualities of the national park."

The survey, carried out by the park authority itself, showed that 68.5 per cent of the entire network was technically "easy to use" according to County Surveyors Society methodology.

But a new statistic - whether or not the path would genuinely be ease to use - found 93.4 per cent of the network measured up. That figure discounts minor inconsistencies with maps, as long as the route is clearly signposted.

Reasons for path "failure" included:

  • Obstructions to the legal line of the route, most of which will require a definitive map modification order to correct
  • A lack of a signpost from the main highway
  • Overgrown vegetations, faulty stiles or gates
  • Severely boggy path, mainly at narrow openings used heavily by livestock.

In 2005, 3,243m of path were boggy - but that dropped to 2,171m in 2006.

The number of trees blocking the path similarly fell from 17 in 2005 to ten in 2006.

Later this month, authority members are set to approve an action plan to continue making improvements to the network.

Mr Gunton said: "It is accepted that at no time will the network be in a condition where 100 per cent would be easy to use.

"There will always be some obstruction which has yet to be identified or that has been identified, but not yet corrected."