Descended down Wansfell Pike

As I was walking down Wansfell Pike, my mum pointed out to me that there was another path right next to the main one. This links back to the Countryside Code for the Uk which says that you need to follow paths. However, is it inevitable that over time paths will get wider because human activity in these natural environments will continue or will stricter rules need to be put in place to protect these areas? Link to the Countryside Code Uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/countryside-code-full-online-version