The National Rights of Way Condition Survey, 1988 was undertaken in order to assess the task of legally defining the network of public rights of way, maintaining and publicising them. The data comprise surveys of public paths, including bridleways and byways, in England and Wales. Variables: status of the link; representation as a right of way; length; whether signposted, waymarked; ease of finding start; clarity of direction of the route; crossings (stile/gate/bridge); surface quality; hazards or obstacles; ease of following and use; erosion; scenic quality; the character of the area; the edge of the area; dead end.