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: 7 August 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.

The northern part of this path, leading from Mattishall Road, has been reported many times as the crop is sown right up to the field edge. It is possible to walk through crop on this section, but it’s oil seed rape, so your legs/trousers will likely end up pretty yellow. The remainder of the path is well marked and easy to walk.

A path has been made through the low crop - 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.

As promised by NCC, the legal course of this path, immediately adjacent to the school fence from its junction with Footpath 13 to Sardis Way, has been cleared and is easily walked. A litter pick early in April has made this path more presentable. We also understand that NCC plans to grind the tree stumps in the path this winter; until then, walk with care.

The section of the path from St Withburga Lane/Littlefields to Sardis Way has been closed (3 to 7+ August) for repairs to potholes but is now re-open.

After the recent dry weather, the southern end of this path, where it meets Footpath 26, is fully walkable.

Sections of this path are subject to considerable muddiness and water collecting in deep ruts. The problem arises partly from poor drainage and partly from the private (though legal) use of motorised vehicles. Town and County Councillors have discussed the problem with Norfolk County Council officials and an approach proposed, though it is early days yet. But after the recent dry weather, there are no problems at present.

The eastern end of this, after Footpath 7 and the farm buildings, is prone to substantial vegetation growth, though is currently walkable (but not usable by carriage drivers). Note that there is no footway on Mowles Road at the eastern end.

The northern section of the stream side part of the path is prone to significant muddiness after wet weather, though usually remains walkable with care.

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