Only 41% of footpaths are open to the public in Cornwall, prompting local ramblers to consider serving the council with a section 63 order, forcing it to take action.
The order would cover tens of thousands of paths which are inaccessible.
A spokeswoman claimed the council’s system for prioritising investment in routes by designating them as ‘gold’, ‘silver’ or ‘bronze’ paths was not effective at keeping less well-used and town centre routes open.