As some of you might be aware, 2026 is the deadline for getting historic routes added to the definitive map. The onus is on people to research and claim routes, with the implication being that unclaimed routes may no longer be rights of way. This obviously has a potential impact on mountain bikers who rely on the rights of way network.
Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum have forwarded the following information, inviting groups and individuals to an event to discuss and understand the process of claiming routes. The event is on Saturday 14th October in the Members’ Room at County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG between 10am and 3pm. Tea and coffee will be available from 9.30am and a buffet lunch will be provided.
Note the deadline for booking on the event is Tuesday 3rd October, so please act quick if you want to attend. Click here to download the booking form.
Sent on behalf of Geof Cole, Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum:
I am writing to introduce you to the Derby and Derbyshire Local Access Forum (DADLAF) and to also invite you to a Unrecorded/Lost Ways Event which we are organising in October in conjunction with members of the Peak District Local Access Forum.
In its quest to help improve public access and open air recreation for the benefit of local residents and visitors alike, the DADLAF has highlighted several areas of work where it would like to try and make a difference and is currently focussing its efforts on the issue of Unrecorded or Lost Ways.
There is a growing concern amongst LAF members about the 2026 cut-off date for getting historic routes added to the Definitive Map, which is now less than ten years away. Although Local Access Forums may not have the expertise or resources to take an active role in researching and claiming routes, they could play an important part in facilitating and guiding the work of others. In particular, by bringing interested parties together and encouraging collaborative working, as well as identifying where help is needed, how it might be provided and also managing people’s expectations.
If you wish to attend the event, please complete the attached booking form and email it to Gill Millward, Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Access Improvement Officer gill.millward@derbyshire.gov.uk as soon as possible before Tuesday 3rd October. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Gill at Shand House.
Further information about the Local Access Forums can be found here.
