After a week exploring the tracks and pathways of beautiful west Dorset, I've been surprised and disappointed at the state of the area's rights of way.

Coastal paths, named trails and the village dog walks are mostly okay, but stray beyond these and a nightmare of impenetrable nettles, brambles and thistles awaits.

I've come across rights of way obliterated by growing crops up to eight feet tall, whilst several old tracks rich in history near to Bridport and Loders are currently completely impassable - maybe I should come back in January, when the vegetation has died down?

Is this the best the county and parish councils and landowners can do? You are custodians of a uniquely complex, scenic landscape. Visitors spend millions of pounds in the local economy, is too much to expect some basic maintenance in return?

GORDON HARRISON

Northumberland