Path Work

Overgrown footpath

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: 24 Feb 2026

Footpath 1a (Updated 22 February)
A good path has been made through the crop.

Footpath 2 (Updated 22 February)
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 the low crop on this section, though it is a little uneven so care should be taken. The remainder of the path is well marked and easy to walk.

Restricted byway 3 (No change at 22 February)
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 (No change at 22 February)
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 14 (Updated 24 February)
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. There are a few tree stumps in the path, needing a little care.

Footpath 14a (Updated 22 February)
The boardwalk on this path was recently renewed and a new section of boardwalk adjoining Stone Road put in place. Unfortunately, the renewed boardwalk merely replaced the previous boardwalk and did not extend across the few metres at the southern end which regularly became a quagmire after wet weather. It is currently very muddy again though can be walked with care (and good boots!).

Footpath 25 (Updated 22 February)
The southern end of this path, where it meets Footpath 26, is once again flooded. There is a rough informal path alongside the track which can be used; it has a couple of very short but steep sections and is crossed by some tree routes. It can be used, but with care.

Footpath 26 (Dumpling Green) (Updated 22 February)
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 (but 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. A recent visit revealed extensive flooding of the main track; it is walkable in good footwear, but there are sections where care is needed when the walking route alongside the track is slippy with mud and slopes down towards the flooded track.

Restricted byway 28 (Awaiting checking as at 22 February)
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 (Awaiting checking as at 22 February)
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.

Footpath 35 (Updated 22 February)
This path leads from Footpath 26 to Badley Moor (open to the public). Parts of the track are quite wet and muddy, but walkable with a little care.

Restricted byway 36 (Cherry Lane) (No change at 22 February)
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.