Countdown begins to prevent loss of thousands of footpaths and alleyways

Right-to-roam law means pre-1949 rights of way that are not on official maps must be recorded in next 10 years or will no longer be protected

Thousands of footpaths, alleys and bridleways across the UK face being lost forever within a decade under a clause in right-to-roam legislation, campaigners have warned.

From 1 January, walkers, horseriders - and even those taking regular shortcuts to the shops in towns - will have 10 years to apply to save any rights of way that existed before 1949 but do not appear on official maps.