Our statutory duty under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 is to keep the Map updated with legal orders made by the District, Borough and County Councils to divert, create and extinguish public rights of way. The County Council also has a duty to investigate all claims to add new rights of way to the network. These are referred to as Modification Orders to the Definitive Map.

Each path is numbered according to the parish in which it is situated and each parish has a Statement giving the description and grid reference 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 the Countryside Access office in Dorchester, during office hours, by appointment only. Please contact the Countryside Access Team at least 2 working days in advance. We are unable to accept visitors without a prior appointment. Alternatively you can view the Definitive Map at the main libraries in Dorset and your Town/Parish Council should also have a copy for the local area.

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Public Path Diversion, Creation and Extinguishment Orders

Dorset County Council is responsible for Public Path Diversion, Creation and Extinguishment Orders. If you are a landowner and you would like to find out more about diverting, creating or extinguishing a right of way on your land please contact the Countryside Access Legal team .

• Rights of Way

  Town and Country Planning Act orders in North Dorset

• Senior Rights of Way Officer (Definitive Map)
  Name: Vanessa Penny
  Email: v.penny@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224719
  Full details for Vanessa Penny
• Rights of Way Officer (definitive map)
  Name: Phil Hobson
  Email: p.c.hobson@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221562
  Full details for Phil Hobson
• Rights of Way Technical Officer (Definitive Map)
  Name: Jane Cheeseman
  Email: j.l.cheeseman@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221560
  Full details for Jane Cheeseman