Rights of Way & Footpaths

The Parish of East Coker is privileged to contain a large number of footpaths, bridleways and byways available for the enjoyment of Parishioners and Visitors. The paths join local villages together and give unprecedented views over the surrounding countryside, including the rolling hills of North Dorset, an official area of natural beauty.

The Rights of Way and Footpaths Committee is made up of enthusiastic walkers and riders.  We are the point of contact between Parishioners and Somerset Council and aim to ensure that the Rights of Way are maintained and available for the use and enjoyment of all.  We hold a small number of hand tools, allowing us to make minor repairs and ensure paths are clear of branches.

Below is a downloadable map of the Parish showing the Rights of Way throughout it.  Copies can also be viewed on the notice boards in The Paddock and at the Village Hall.

Download a PDF of the Rights of Way map

Some walks around the Parish are posted here for your enjoyment:

When walking or riding within the Parish, please remember The Country Code:

  • Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work;
  • Guard against all risk of fire;
  • Leave gates and property as you find them;
  • Keep your dogs under close control and on leads were stock is present;
  • Keep to public paths across farmland;
  • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls;
  • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone;
  • Take your litter home;
  • Clean up after your dogs;
  • Help to keep all water clean;
  • Protect wildlife, plants and trees; Do not pick wild flowers;
  • Take special care on country roads;
  • Make no unnecessary noise.

All routes in the Parish will be properly waymarked.  The categories are:

  • Footpath – Yellow arrow.  Pedestrian access only;
  • Bridleway – Blue arrow.  Pedestrian, Horseback and Bicycle access only;
  • Restricted Byway (formerly RUPP – Road Used as a Public Path) – Pedestrian, Horseback, Bicycle and any non-mechanically propelled vehicle (e.g. a horse-drawn carriage) access only.

Any issues/works concerning the Rights of Way in the Parish will be logged with South Somerset County Council.  An interactive map showing registered items can be found on SSCC’s Public Rights of Way website (Report it here); once on the site, the link to the map can be found by clicking on “Interactive mapping” in the right hand column under “Information and Resources”.

If you have any questions, comments or wish to report a problem with a Right of Way within the Parish, please contact one of the Committee:

Councillor Bridget Sugg and Cllr Warwick-Mortimer