This is a fascinating project aimed at finding and recording 'forgotten paths'. It can be done whenever you've got some spare time and put aside when you're busy, and it'll appeal to anyone with an interest in local history who fancies doing a bit of detective work!
In 2026, thousands of forgotten paths will be extinguished forever, making your involvement in this project vital to protect rights of way for future generations.
We hope you'll enjoy taking part!
A right of way does not cease to exist through lack of use, even if there is no longer any physical evidence of it having existed. Some very old rights of way have become lost, or forgotten about, but they still belong to the public. Some 'forgotten paths' are not, strictly speaking, forgotten. They might be used every day - they might even be part of a national trail - but if they haven't been recorded on the document that matters (the definitive map) they're unprotected.
The Forgotten Paths Project is a way of helping you track down forgotten paths where you live and get them protected by applying for them to be recorded on the definitive map.
It's easy to join the hundreds of people who've signed up to the Forgotten Paths Project so far. All you have to do is send us an email, or write to us at:
The Forgotten Paths Project
The Ramblers' Association
2nd Floor Camelford House
89 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TW
And we'll send you an information pack with everything you need to take part.
Once you've got started there's loads of support available too.
A large number of rights of way were added to the Suffolk definitive map between 1985 and 2005. Approximately 130 additions – about 105 miles – were down to the efforts of Ramblers volunteers.
