WALKERS failed to persuade an inspector to approve a public footpath.
The issue arose in Neston, where supporters believed the route should be confirmed between Well Lane and an existing path known as Neston no 54.
An order was made by the former Cheshire County Council in 2007 but a public inquiry heard there were 13 outstanding objections.
Those in favour included Mr R Ward, representing original applicant Mr J Millington, and Mr N Heather of Ness Conservation Society. Objectors included landowner Mr M C Cowie, Network Rail and Wirral and Cheshire Badger Group.
Inspector Barney Grimshaw said the route had not appeared on any definitive map.
He suggested the amount of overgrowth was consistent with the path having been unused for a substantial period, although it was clear most of the route existed. He concluded the evidence was not sufficient to justify a public right of way.
