Step One: Finding a Forgotten Path
If the definitive map for your area has few rights of way recorded on it, there's a good chance it is incomplete. When definitive maps were drawn up in the 1950s the dominance of landowners on many parish councils often led to rights of way not being recorded on purpose, so there are lots of forgotten rights of way which need to be claimed.
Here's some ideas about where to begin your search for a forgotten path:
- Compare the definitive map with an old Ordnance Survey map from the early 20th century, which you'll find in your County Record Office. If you see paths marked on early maps which are not on the definitive map there's a good chance they should be.
- Try exploring the area on foot to see if you can find paths in use that are not on your up to date OS map. If they aren’t, the chances are that they won’t be on the definitive map either, and may need to be claimed.
- Some definitive maps have curious features which can offer clues to an absent right of way. A right of way which stops suddenly for no apparent reason may well indicate part of it is missing. Paths which stop suddenly at Parish boundaries are also good indicators.
Remember that it can take some time before amendments to the definitive map appear on the latest Ordnance Survey maps, as OS maps are published only every five years or so. Do not rely on OS maps as a source of accurate, up-to-date information about what is on the definitive map.
Avoiding duplication of effort
Before you start searching for evidence it's a good idea to contact the surveying authority (i.e. the authority that keeps the definitive map in your area - either the county council or unitary authority) to view its register of rights of way claims. A claim can take years to be determined and it may well be that someone has already filed a claim for a 'forgotten path' you've got your eye on.
