Pippa Middleton, sister of Princess Catherine, participated in the Kintbury 5 charity run on Sunday, highlighting her enthusiasm for sport. At the same time, she and her husband are facing a six‑day government planning inquiry over a public footpath that crosses their 145‑acre property near Hungerford.

The six‑day planning inquiry into the 145‑acre estate path

A formal inquiry, lasting six days, has been launched to decide whether a path crossing the Middleton estate should be added to the Definitive Map of public rights of way. According to the report, the decision hinges on whether historical evidence can demonstrate that the route has been used by the public over a long period.

The inquiry, chaired by a planning inspector, will hear testimony from local residents, the Middleton family, and heritage experts.. The outcome could set a precedent for other large private landowners who face similar claims across the UK.

Kintbury 5 charity run raises funds for local primary school

The five‑mile race, organised by Kintbury St Mary's Primary School, is described on the school’s website as a “fun and friendlly run” that supports children’s learning resources.. As the source notes, participants followed quiet roads and tracks around Inkpen and Kintbury, near Hungerford.

Pippa Middleton’s presence drew media attention and helped boost registrations,contributing to the school’s fundraising goal.. The event typically channels proceeds into classroom supplies, technology upgrades, and extracurricular programmes.

Historical use evidence will decide public right of way

Under UK law, a path can be recorded as a public right of way if it has been used “as of right” for at least 20 years. The inquiry will examine old maps, council records, and testimonies from long‑time walkers to establish whether the route meets that threshold.

Authorities have already requested documents from the local council and the Middleton estate, and they plan to publish a draft decision within weeks. As the source reported, the final ruling will depend on the weight of that historical proof.

Residents’ concerns over estate access

Neighbouring residents argue that the footpath provides a vital shortcut between villages and that closing it would force longer, less safe journeys. Some have organised a petition, claiming the path has been open for generaations.

The Middleton family, however, maintains that the route crosses private land and that unrestricted access could threaten wildlife habitats and the privacy of their home. They have offered to negotiate a limited access schedule, but residents say the path must remain fully open.

Who will prove historic public use?

Two specific uncertainties remain: whether any historic Ordnance Survey maps label the route as a public footpath, and whether any long‑standing local customs support the claim. The inquiry’s findings on these points will be decisive.

Additionally, the outcome may influence future disputes in the region, where other estates face similar challenges to public access rights .