This lists the practical problems most commonly found on paths, with suggested remedies in order of priority. Further information is given on the pages listed.

PROBLEMSREMEDIES
Overgrowth1Use of hand tools or machines to clear the path
2Removal of fences to allow grazing to keep path clear
3Provide waymarking or publicise the route in a path guide to increase use, which will help keep the path open
Muddy path in
woodland or scrub		1Remove overgrowth and widen path to let the sun and wind dry it out
2Make camber or cross-fall to shed water into side drains
3Construct cut-offs, cross drains or culverts as necessary
4Lay base and surfacing material
5Build barrier if illegal use is causing damage to surface
Soft, deep mud1Find source of water and divert it away from the path
2Make camber or cross-fall to shed water into side drains
3Lay geotextile and aggregate surfacing material
Soft mud over firm base1Remove mud, and dig drains to prevent water running onto path, so problem does not recur
Water flowing across
path		1Divert water nearer source
2Build cross drain or culvert
3Build simple bridge
Water flowing down
path		1Divert water nearer source
2Build cut-offs to divert water off path
Path crosses patch
of boggy ground		1Divert path
2If low ecological value, dig drainage ditches
3If medium ecological value, lay geotextile and aggregate path
4If high ecological value, construct boardwalk
Peat, less than
300mm
1Remove peat, and use elsewhere for restoration. Surface path with local aggregate, or build stone pitching on slopes
2Subsoil technique, using excavator
Peat, deeper than
300mm		1Divert path off deep peat
2Lay flagstones, or aggregate surface over geotextile
3Subsoil technique, using excavator
Steep slope of
bare earth or stony
eroding slope.		1Divert path away from slope, and restore vegetation
2Lessen gradient with pitched ‘S’ path, and restore vegetation
3Construct zigzags, and restore vegetation
4Build steps and restore vegetation
Braided path (ie split
into many parallel paths)		1Define and improve best line, and landscape and restore other paths. Encourage use of defined path

Chapters