Pippa Middleton Berkshire path row to be settled by public inquiry

Ramblers UK want path near her home to be officially recognised as a right of way

Author: Niki Hinman, local democracy reporterPublished 12th May 2026

It’s all about a contested footpath at Barton Court along Mill Lane in Kintbury.

Villagers claim they have used the route for decades as a public footpath – now a Government inspector will rule on the dispute near Pippa Middleton’s country home in Berkshire.

The sister of the Princess of Wales and her husband James Matthews are facing a public inquiry after a row over access and planning permission near their West Berkshire estate.

The dispute centres on a route villagers claim has long been used as a public footpath across the couple’s Barton Court home.

The controversy escalated after they installed an electric gate, and claimed it was private property.

The inquiry is to decide whether to add this route to the ‘Definitive Map’ of public rights of way.

Ramblers UK has retained the services of a barrister and both sides will have the opportunity to call witnesses.

The hearing, which is open to the public, will take place in the Jubilee Hall in Kintbury on May 13 and 14, starting at 10am each day.

It is anticipated that the inspector will announce a decision some weeks later.

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