Watford Rural 32 image
 PG: OBJECTS: PROMOTION: Watford Rural 32 Restricted Byway
Map showing Watford Rural 32 restricted byway
Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.		 This restricted byway runs from Bridleway Watford Rural 17, just off Delta Gain, northwards to Watford Rural 6, currently recorded as a footpath.

At the time of the BHS 2021 Access Survey (16 Oct 21), there were no gates or other obstructions across the path and it had purple restricted byway waymark arrows at each end.

Photograph of Watford Rural 32
1. Waymark post on Watford Rural 17
Photo: Phil Wadey, 16 Oct 2021 		Photograph of Watford Rural 32
2. View from Watford Rural 17
Photo: Phil Wadey, 16 Oct 2021 		Photograph of Watford Rural 32
3. View northwards
Photo: Phil Wadey, 16 Oct 2021 		Photograph of Watford Rural 32
4. Approaching Watford Rural 6
Photo: Phil Wadey, 16 Oct 2021 		Photograph of Watford Rural 32
7. View south from Watford Rural 6
Photo: Phil Wadey, 16 Oct 2021
BHS PGBT On 15 Feb 08, a route in Watford Rural parish, running parallel to the railway line, was added to the definitive map as a Restricted Byway. This means it carries a right of way for walkers, riders, cyclists and horse drawn vehicles. However, narrow link paths mean that it is unlikely that a cart would be able to use it as a through route.

The route has been recorded following an application by the British Horse Society's Hertsmere Access Officer on 21 Sep 98 for it to be shown as a bridleway on the definitive map of rights of way. The County Council determined the application in June 2006 and decided that there was not enough evidence to justify the making of an order. The applicant appealed to the Secretary of State who directed the Council to make the order at restricted byway status. This change came about because much of the user evidence related to cycle use, and a change in the law in 2006 meant that this contributed to restricted byway status instead of bridleway or full byway. There was one representation, which was subsequently withdrawn, and so the order was confirmed as unopposed.

The Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust (and, before 2003, the Patchetts Green Riding Club) supported the BHS in its application. There was also strong support from the Bushey and District Footpaths Association.

The Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust and the BHS believe that there are several as yet unrecorded bridleways and restricted byways in Watford Rural parish, and encourages riders in this area to get in touch.

Legal History
21 Sep 1998: Application to record route as a bridleway.
Jun 2006: Application turned down by Hertfordshire County Council. Appeal made.
24 Sep 2007: Appeal won. Hertfordshire County Council directed to make an order to show the route.
9 Nov 2007: The Hertfordshire County Council (Watford Rural 32) Modification Order 2007 added this path to the definitive map.
The Hertfordshire County Council (Watford Rural 17) Legal Event Modification Order 2008 altered its statement to make reference to Watford Rural 32.
Application Process
Path Application Certificate Direction Inv Report Order Confirmed
EC176 21 Sep 98 3R/35     9 Nov 2007 15 Feb 2008
Definitive Statement (4 Dec 2015)
Path: [Watford Rural] 32.  Status: RB  Definitive Map sheet: 90
Commences from a junction with FP6 at TQ 1177 9385 and continues in a generally southerly direction adjacent to railway for approximately 270 metres to a junction with Watford Rural 17 at TQ 1184 9360.
Width: 4 metres between TQ 1177 9385 and TQ 1184 9360.
Limitations: None.

© 2021-2026 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust. File reference: EC176. HCC references: 3R/35 and 3R/68.

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