You will never miss a right of way until you might lose it

Dear Karen,I have been accessing my farmlands through a neighbour’s land for over 30 years. My father used the same right of way before me. It has only recently come to light that my right of way is not registered in the Land Registry.My neighbour and I fell out a few years ago over an entirely different matter. Now I am worried that I might lose my right of way if I do not get it registered, as I know he won’t sign a deed in relation to same.It is critical to my farming business, and I am really worried. What can I do?

Dear Reader,This is a relatively common scenario. Often, we do not appreciate or consider the value or significance of a right of way to our land until there is a danger that we may lose it, or be prevented from accessing it.The first thing I would say to you is do not panic.It is good that you are aware now that the right of way is not registered, and you are seeking to deal with the matter.There are three ways of rectifying the matter.