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 Issues

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.

RoW map

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: 22 Jan 2026

Footpath 1a We have needed to report problems with this path on several occasions, mainly about the failure to reinstate the path after ploughing or crop growth. At present the path is not marked, though it has only a low crop that doesn’t prevent walking.

Footpath 2 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 currently has only a low crop which can be walked through.

Restricted byway 3 The byway (legally open to use by cyclists and horse and carriage drivers) has not been made across the field, though it currently has only a low crop which can be walked through. 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.

Footpath 9 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.

Footpath 14a This path has recently seen considerable repair work and we understand is again fully open for use.

Footpath 14 While most people probably use the informal route through the water meadows, the legal course of this path is immediately adjacent to the school fence from its junction with Footpath 13 to Sardis Way. We have been told that Norfolk County Council plans to clear the extensive growth on this section of path ‘this autumn and winter’.

Footpath 26 (Dumpling Green) 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 (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.

Restricted byway 28 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.

Footpath 34 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.

Restricted byway 36 (Cherry Lane) After a substantial resurfacing of the western part of this byway, as far as the Windmill, potholes are again appearing. These present little difficulty to walkers, but cyclists should take care.