Norfolk Countryside

All About Maps

The Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement

The Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement for Norfolk was published in 1958 and records all the claimed legal routes of public footpaths, bridleways and byways in the county. Our statutory duty under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, is to keep the Map updated with Legal Orders made by the District, Borough and County Councils to create and extinguish public rights of way. The County Council also has a duty to investigate claims to add new rights of way to the network. These are referred to as Modifications of the Definitive Map.

You can visit the Ordnance Survey site at www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk. This site provides useful information on where to buy maps, how to use them and lots more...

Extract from Norfolk’s Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way

Each path is numbered according to the Parish in which it is situated and each Parish has a Statement giving the description and location of the route and is also amended accordingly.

The Definitive Map is a legal document; it cannot be purchased but you can view it at County Hall, Norwich (Rights of Way Section), at the main libraries in Norfolk and your District Council will also have a copy for the local area.

Public Path Diversion, Creation and Extinguishment Orders are administered by the County Council. If you wish to apply for an Order or would like to know more please contact the Council.


	Extract from Norfolk's Definitive Map

Ordnance Survey Maps

The Ordnance Survey Maps for Norfolk which contain public rights of way and tourist information can be purchased from Tourist Information Centres and from main book-sellers and stationers. It is advisable to purchase these before planning to visit Norfolk and the sheet numbers covering Norfolk are:



	Explorers for North Norfolk 40 - The Broads



	Outdoor Leisure Map 23 - Norfolk Coast West 24 - Norfolk Coast Central 25 - Norfolk Coast East



	Explorers for West Norfolk 228 - March and Ely, Chatteris and Littleport 235 - Wisbech and Peterborough North 236 - King's Lynn, Downham Market and Swaffham



	Explorers for South Norfolk 229 - Thetford Forest in the Brecks, Thetford 230 - Diss and Harleston, East Harling and Stanton 231 - Southwold and Bungay, Halesworth



	Explorers for Central Norfolk 237 - Norwich, Wymondham, Attleborough and Watton 238 - East Dereham and Aylsham, Castle Acre