Rights Of Way IN Dorset

The Dorset For You web site countryside section has some very useful information about rights of way in Dorset. It includes a form for reporting footpath problems which also provides access to the online interactive version of the Definitive Map showing rights of way. This map is likely to be more up to date than the paper copies held by public libraries in Dorset. The form does not allow for attachments so if you have ROW problem to report and you want to include a photo or sketch map it would be better to use the e-mail address near the top of the form page.

If you are interested in ROWs within the borough of Poole there is a .pdf map that can be accessed here.

Rights of Way in Adjacent Counties

If you stray over the border into Hampshire their county council has a Online map page.

The equivalent page for Devon is here and for Somerset is here

For Wiltshire you can find ROW information via their walking and cycling page.

When Reporting ROW Problems

Include the date when you observed the problem.
Give as many grid references/distances as necessary to explain the problem if its not just at one point.
Say which map issue or definitive map copy you used to check your information.
Offer digital pictures if you have any of the problem.


A Rambler’s Guide to the Dorset Jubilee Trail is available @ £5.00 including .post & packaging, click here for details. Come to Dorset and walk this varied and interesting Trail

Unless otherwise indicated (copyright ownership of information, data, text, images, graphics and the selection and arrangement of such and links, software and source code on this web site rest with the Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association. Some material is owned by the Ramblers Associations Groups within the Dorset Area and/or with Ramblers Association members. In accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 extracts are permitted for personal private use. No part of the web site may be reproduced commercially in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association. All trademarks are acknowledged as trade marks or registered trade marks of their owners. The Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association name and logo and all related product and service names are the trade names, service marks or trade marks of Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association and may not be used without prior written consent.

The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales . Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW