Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.
At the time of the BHS 2021/22 Access Survey (3 Jan 22), the route was unobstructed. It was signposted at the southern end, and had purple waymark arrows at the northern end.
1. Gap by gate at start of path
Photo: Helen Taylor, 1 Aug 2021
1. Sign at Blackbirds Farm
Photo: Helen Taylor, 3 Jan 2022
2. Heading north-east from signpost
Photo: Helen Taylor, 3 Jan 2022
3. After turning north-west
Photo: Helen Taylor, 3 Jan 2022
4. About half way along, heading north-west
Photo: Helen Taylor, 3 Jan 2022
5. Looking south-east from Aldenham 22
Photo: Helen Taylor, 3 Jan 2022
Prior to about 2004, its status was not in doubt. However, the county council's web site
then recorded it as being public only from Kemprow to Blackbirds Farm. This didn't explain, of course,
where the Sewage Works bridleway (Aldenham 74) went where it met
Blackbirds Lane, nor how it was that many riders had been using this path for as long as anyone can remember.
Worse still, in April 2006, a new gate appeared at the southern end. This was viewed as a clear attempt to bring the public's right to use the path into question, and so it was necessary vigorously to defend the lane.
Because there was doubt over its status, an application was made to record the route. The historical evidence showed a continuous route from Kemprow to Crab Lane. The County Council agreed with the evidence submitted and made an order recording the route as a restricted byway, that is, a route for walkers, riders, cyclists and cariage drivers.
The inquiry was held on 17 and 18 Mar 2010 in Radlett. The Inspector agreed with restricted byway status and decided to record an increased width on part of the route. Accordingly it was necessary to readvertise the modified order before it was confirmed. This was done, and the order was subsequently confirmed on 6 Dec 10. This is a good example of 'perfectly obvious paths' that was under threat from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 if an application had not been made in time.
