The new access legislation gives the public the right of access to almost all land in Scotland, yet there is still a great demand for more paths to walk on. A lot of farmland in Scotland lacks clear, waymarked paths and many areas would benefit from better path networks to create walking and cycling links between communities and give easier access to the wider countryside.
To improve the situation, the legislation contains a duty for all access authorities to draw up a network of core paths in their area. These paths should eventually all be mapped and marked by the OS – which has to be good news for health and sustainable transport as well as for tourism.
Many Ramblers members and Groups are involved in the core path planning process, whether by being members of Local Access Forums (LAFs) or by joining core paths planning groups. Why not find out what is happening near you, and join in? Or perhaps you’d like to start the ball rolling? Local authorities can give support and if you can develop a path network around your area it could become part of the new core path system.
Here are some of the things our groups have been doing:
- St Andrews Group has published a leaflet outlining 14 walks around Cupar with financial support from Awards for All and SNH
- Moray Group is developing a guide for a 162-mile circular trail from Elgin via the Cairngorms
- Cunninghame group is looking into adopting a part of the core path network and being responsible for its maintenance.
We are all looking forward to a having a better system of paths throughout the country, clearly waymarked, mapped and promoted.
For more details and guidance on getting involved in LAFs and core paths planning download our information pack Outdoor Access: Getting Involved
or call the Scotland office for a copy 01577 861222
Paths for All Partnership - Ten Years of Paths for All
