Path Work

Many of our rights of way are natural unsurfaced paths through grass, maybe between hedges. Unfortunately, this ‘intimacy’ with nature can become unwelcome when vigorous growth of nettles, brambles and hedges - especially from May and through the summer - can start to block the paths. Regular walking of the paths identifies the potential problems and in itself helps keep them clear. HERE is a sample of the volunteer work keeping our paths open.

Path Status

On this page, we bring information about significant issues affecting the rights-of-way in Dereham. We’ll try to keep it up to date, but we can’t be everywhere every day, so if you come across an issue, please let us know by emailing ken-hawkins@tiscali.co.uk.

A map showing the locations of all our paths is HERE (PDF, opens in new tab). You can also see these paths on Norfolk County Council’s interactive map at maps.norfolk.gov.uk/highways (opens in a new tab)

Last updated: 16 October 2026

The prolonged dry spell has meant that paths often affected by mud and flooding even after modest levels of rainfall are all perfectly walkable for now. When the rains return, paths likely to get muddy are Footpath 14a (near Stone Road), Footpath 25 (near its junction with Footpath 26), sections of Footpath 26, Footpath 34 alongside the stream near the woodland and a short section of Footpath 35.

No issues reported.

It is unusual for a direct route to be made across the field; often a zig zag path through the crop is made, linking between sections of tractor tracks - not the straight line it should be, but does go from end to end. This is suitable for walkers, though not for the cyclists, horse riders or carriage drivers legally entitled to use it. Where the path joins Restricted Byway 38 at the north end, there is a short but steep slope which requires change: this has been reported.

Almost alone among the rights of way in Dereham, we do not recommend attempted use of this path, because (1) it is accessed at the south from Swanton Road, which is a bendy road, not subject to a speed limit and without a footway, (2) it is so overgrown as to be impenetrable and (3) legal rights of usage end at the parish boundary long before the path reaches Hall Road in Hoe and Worthing Parish.

We understand that NCC plans to grind the tree stumps in the path this winter; until then, walk with care.

The boardwalk on this path has recently been extended over the short patch that became muddy after wet weather.

No issues reported.

No issues reported.

The eastern end of this, after Footpath 7 and the farm buildings, is prone to substantial vegetation growth; it is currently walkable and cyclable with care (but not usable by carriage drivers). There is currently a large tree fallen across the byway near the eastern end; it is possible to climb over it with care. This has been reported. Note that there is no footway on Mowles Road at the eastern end.

No issues reported.

©2016-26 Dereham Walkers are Welcome