Different Groups of researchers are working on Don’t Lose Your Way projects in Hertfordshire. Much of the work can be done on a home computer.
Applications for Definitive Map Modification Orders
This is the ultimate objective. We aim to bring together historical evidence to show that a right of way has always existed. This is then used to submit an application to the Highway Authority for the route to be added to the Definitive Map of Rights of Way. You can see a couple of examples of paths claimed here.
Because of the amount of work involved in preparing and processing and application, it makes sense to prioritise the possible candidates before going ahead with a claim. For example, a working group in St Albans Footpath Society has been gathering a list of potential routes and are preparing the first claims from their shortlist for DMMO Applications.
Map study
It is worth starting a check of the present situation by looking at the current OS and Hertfordshire Highways maps. This guide suggests how to get going. If you are interested in carrying out this work for an area of Hertfordshire, please email
Many routes can be identified by studying old maps and comparing them to the current maps. Ramblers created a tool to compare 1900 Edition OS maps with the current OS map and highlighted the differences - see Available Resources.
Researching archives
The Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Centre gives access to Tithe maps, Inclosure Awards, Quarter Sessions records and Railway Plans. The National Archive at Kew has Inland Revenue and Ordnance Survey records. All these resources can be valuable to provide evidence of rights of way. A lot of work was done before 2020 to photograph archive material for Hertfordshire and our london Boroughs, and this is available on line to researchers looking for evidence – see Available Resources. Ramblers Researchers working in The National Archive and in the British Library can photograph additional documents on request. This means that a lot of archive work can be done at home.
Knowledge of local footpaths.
There may be routes you use regularly that are not properly recorded on the Definitive Map. They may once have been highways, but now be unadopted roads with no automatic right to access. When good historical evidence is available, it can be quicker and easier than gathering evidence of regular use over the last 20 years from local residents – and the historical evidence also helps to support the case for a claim on usage. It is always worth checking that the routes you use and take for granted are properly recorded. Footpath secretaries know their patch well, and can identify candidates for checking to see if a claim is necessary or possible.
If you think you could help with any of these jobs, or if you have noticed any routes that you think are incorrectly recorded, please email
If you are already doing your own research, look at the Available Resources we have.