Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.	This route runs from Datchworth Green to Coltsfoot Lane (public road). At the time of the 2024 Access Survey (27 Aug 24), the route was unobstructed save for bollards at the southern end. The route was signposted at each end.		Sign at Datchworth Green Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024	View from Datchworth Green Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024
Continuing Southwestwards Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024	Continuing Southwestwards Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024	Continuing Southwestwards Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024	Sign at Coltsfoot Lane Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024	View from Coltsfoot Lane Photo: Phil Wadey, 27 Aug 2024
As part of the Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust's and the British Horse Society's work to record paths before Path Extinguishment Day, it was spotted that Datchworth 26 did not reach the road at its southern end. The last 10m was imply missing from the definitive map, although it was in the definitive statement. The historical evidence showed a continuous route, so an application was made in 2024 to record the gap.

Legal History 1837: The very southern end of Datchworth 26 was shown on the Welwyn tithe map as not subject to an apportionment. 1839: Datchworth 26 was shown on the Datchworth tithe map as part of land parcel 428a which was described as 'Green Lane' in the apportionment and coloured as for other public roads. 2 Feb 1953: The route was recorded as CRB (Carriage Road used as a Bridleway) on the original definitive map and statement. DM sheet DM2-07 (Herts 20 SE). 31 Dec 1977: Datchworth 26 was shown as a bridleway on the special review draft map and statement, but objections must have been received and it remained a RUPP. DM sheet SR-44 (TL21NE). 2 May 2006: Restricted Byway rights were confirmed or created on this path by virtue of ss 47 and 48 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. 14 Oct 2024: Application to record small length of route by Coltsfoot Lane as RB. HCC reference awaited. Application Process Path Application Certificate Direction Inv Report Order Confirmed EC1235 14 Oct 2024 EH/549 16 Oct 2024

Definitive Statement (4 Dec 2015) Path: [Datchworth] 26.  Status: Restricted Byway.  Definitive Map sheet: 44 Commences from Datchworth Green thence SW to join county road at S Sedge Green. Map shows route stopping before it reaches Coltsfoot Lane, but statement says it gets there. Maintainability This route is maintainable at the public expense by virtue of s.49(1) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [RB converted from RUPP]

© 2024 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust. File reference: EC1235. DOBBIN reference: HER-0172. HCC reference: EH/549