Frequently Asked Questions
What is a core paths network?
The core paths network will provide the basic framework of routes, ‘… sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area.’ (Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003). The network will help meet the needs of local people and visitors by providing a range of high quality outdoor access opportunities and which help people to enjoy and understand the Cairngorms National Park’s special qualities.
What is a Core Paths Plan?
A Core Paths Plan is a plan containing lists and maps showing the network of core paths, their relationships to other paths and information on how the core paths were selected.
Why do we need a Core Paths Plan?
The duty to prepare a Core Paths Plan is one of the key innovations arising from the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The network of managed and promoted paths that will emerge will provide a basis for delivering wide social, economic and environmental benefits for the Cairngorms National Park and beyond. Core paths will also have a very important role to play in ensuring that people can easily get around and enjoy the special qualities of the Park in a way that minimises the potential for conflict with people who manage the land.
What will core paths be like?
Most core paths will be easy to find and to follow, well sign-posted, appropriately maintained and, as far as possible, free from barriers or obstructions. The paths do not have to be of a specific type or quality – they can range from a simple trail through the grass to a formal path with a tarmac surface. Rivers too can be designated as core paths. Some of the more challenging core paths in upland and remote areas will require people to be more self-reliant.
Which paths will be designated as core paths?
The paths shown on the maps in the Core Paths Plan are proposed core paths. They have been identified in consultation with the public. They include paths to allow people to move in, around and between communities as part of their daily lives (eg to shops and schools) and also recreational paths. The network includes many existing paths as well as some proposals for new paths.
How will the core paths be promoted?
Clear sign-posting will be required and appropriate information will be provided using leaflets, map-boards and websites. This information will encourage the use of the paths by a wide range of people and create confidence in their use. The core paths network will also be shown on Ordnance Survey and other maps. Some of the more challenging core paths in upland and remote areas will not be way-marked and will therefore require people to be more self-reliant.
How will the core paths network be managed?
The Cairngorms National Park Authority will be responsible for the overall management of the core paths network. The specific management functions include keeping accurate records on core paths, their installations and infrastructure; helping put together maintenance programmes; ensuring core paths mapping is kept up to date and available for all to see; monitoring requirements for removal of obstructions from core paths, re-instatement after ploughing, and dealing with any complaints; ensuring information on the core paths network is accurate for reporting purposes and answering enquiries; and storing and referencing path inspection records.
How will the core paths be maintained?
It will be important that the core paths are well maintained and easy to use. A partnership approach will be required between whoever owns the land, public bodies, community groups and funding agencies. The Park Authority will be the lead public body in making sure this work takes place but are unlikely to be able to fund all necessary maintenance on every path. It is therefore likely that a range of imaginative solutions will need to be found, depending on the local circumstances. Where necessary the CNPA will be able to enter into path agreements to delineate, create or maintain paths.
Who will use core paths?
Core paths will be used by a wide range of local people and visitors. Taken as a whole the core paths network will cater for all types of users including walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, people with disabilities and canoeists. But not all individual paths will need to be designed or managed for every type of user.
What about paths that are not designated as core paths?
The Cairngorms National Park Outdoor Access Strategy provides a framework for the management of outdoor access across the whole of the Park over the next five years. In particular many of the upland paths, which will not generally be designated as core paths, will need to be looked after. The Strategy has specific policies and actions that will help guide the maintenance and improvement of path provision.
When will the Core Paths Plan be reviewed?
Future reviews of the Core Paths Plan will be done in conjunction with the Cairngorms National Park Local Plan. In the interim period, if a land manager needs to permanently divert or re-align a core path to assist with land management operations then this can be done through discussion with the CNPA. If the diversion is only temporary then this can be dealt with as it would be on any other path, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Will land managers’ liabilities be increased by the designation of Core Paths?
Visitor safety is very important and an ‘occupier’ of land (eg land owner, tenant farmer, etc) has a duty to show care towards people on that land. This duty of care will be the same to all visitors whether or not they are on core paths. If an accident or injury occurs and proceeds to legal action, the courts will have to analyse all the relevant circumstances of the case in deciding on liability. The issue of whether or not the person is on a core path will not, on its own, be a deciding factor. Further guidance and advice on this matter is available by contacting the Cairngorms National Park Authority or a legal adviser.
Who will fund the core paths network?
The core paths network will be funded in much the same way as access projects are at present. This is done by the CNPA and other bodies working together and using grants from funding bodies. The Core Paths Plan will help to prioritise where this funding should go to ensure that the best value for the public is obtained.
What will happen when core paths cross over administrative boundaries?
The Cairngorms National Park is surrounded by five different local authority areas, each of which is developing a Core Paths Plan for their area in line with national guidance. A cross-border working group has been set up to try and ensure that the core paths network links up across the boundaries.
Can core paths be on water?
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives a right of responsible access to most land and inland water and allows for waterways to be core paths. The associated Guidance published by the Scottish Executive in 2005 advises that the core paths network should provide for all forms of recreational access, including canoeing and kayaking. Many of the rivers in the Cairngorms National Park are highly designated for their sensitive habitats and species and are also vital to the economy of the area, particularly for angling. A right of responsible access already exists for people wishing to canoe or kayak on the rivers and the River Spey in particular already experiences high levels of use. Where appropriate designation of a waterway as a core path will ensure it is possible to manage access on the river for the benefit of all those who use it. It is important that this management is done in conjunction with all interested parties to ensure that it is effective.
