Core Paths [in Scotland]

'We are a partnership of organisations committed to promoting walking for health and the development of multi-use path networks in Scotland.'

'Since 2005 Local Authorities and National Park Authorities (Access Authorities) have been busy preparing Core Paths Plans (CPP). Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 every Access Authority has a duty to prepare a CPP. Some plans have been completed whilst others are still going through the planning process. If you would like to know more about the process of making a plan have a look at Core Paths Plans: A Guide to Good Practice.'

'Scottish Government has designated the National Walking and Cycling Network (NWCN) as a national development in the latest National Planning Framework. The development of a strategic network of well-maintained long-distance paths and trails through Scotland will enhance visitor and recreation experiences for all users, as well as supporting active travel and improving health and well-being. Scottish Natural Heritage, along with Sustrans and Scottish Canals, are leading this project ...'

'Scotland is a unique country with some of the best access rights in Europe.. You don't have to go far to explore, you just have to go out.  The great outdoors can be discovered from your doorstep ...'

'Safeguarding public access in Scotland since 1845.' Also, access to details of the Scottish Heritage Paths Project.

'The vision for Aberdeen's Core Paths Plan is to "form a complete paths network throughout the City, encouraging healthy and sustainable access opportunities for all". The Core Paths Plan will form a key part of outdoor access provision and will help to support wider national, regional and local policy objectives on health, recreation, education, economic development, social inclusion, community development, sustainable transport and tourism.'

'You can enjoy access rights responsibly on most land, but many people prefer to use paths. We have developed paths and path networks to make it easier for you to enjoy the outdoors. We have created path networks around the main towns, where most people live ... We have also prepared a Core Paths Plan for Angus. This identifies a basic framework of paths throughout Angus. Over the next few years we will try to signpost all the core paths and make them accessible.'

'The finalised Clackmannanshire Core Paths Plan was adopted by council on the 4th June 2009. The Core Paths Plan was subjected to a Strategic Environmental Assessment to identify the impacts the Plan is likely to have on the wider environment. It was shown that the Plan is likely to have both positive and neutral impacts, with no negative impacts being identified.'

'Use the interactive map ... to view core path routes in Dumfries and Galloway. The route viewer also allows you to download route guides containing maps and walk descriptions for selected routes.'

'The key paths in our area are called Core Paths, and give the public reasonable access throughout the area. The Paths cater for all types of users, for example walkers, cyclists, horse riders, canoeists, people with disabilities.'

'The adopted Outer Hebrides Core Paths Plan provides the public with a system of paths which is sufficient for the purpose of giving reasonable access throughout the Outer Hebrides and includes introductory text and maps compiled by the Council in accordance with section 18(8)(b) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 ... Access the information online by following the Links ...'

'A series of well planned, co-ordinated and used path networks which will provide connections between communities, meet the social and health needs of communities, realise the area's tourism potential, promote sustainable transport choices and support economic and environmental regeneration.'

'Core Paths form the basic network of paths around East Lothian and link into and support the wider network of other paths that already exist around the county. Core paths can be the most popular paths or key routes that link communities or provide access to local sites ...'

'The Core Paths Plan is a 146 km network of established routes that connects communities and gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The majority of residents are no more than 5 minutes walk from a core path. Core paths are perfect for simple everyday exercise, local commuting on foot or bike and help farmers successfully manage public access on their land.'

'Core Paths are rights of way, farm tracks, promoted paths or other routes that provide public access to the countryside and urban areas.'

Information about Fife's 'Core Paths' - including access to a Core Paths Plan Interactive Map - can be found by navigating through the Website's 'Topic Pages'.

'The aim of Glasgow City Council's Core Paths Plan is to ensure that important paths and routes are recorded and promoted, helping to achieve a "connected Glasgow" where residents and visitors can move easily around the path network on foot, by bike, by horse or any other non-motorised means - including "water paths" for rowers, canoeists and other non-motorised water users.'

'The Core Paths Plan and the paths network in Inverclyde are to encourage people to get out and about, be more physically active, improve their health and rely less on the car. It is about everyday trips to work, school, shops and services, as well as enjoying the outdoors for recreation. The Plan provides a framework of routes which is sufficient, as a whole, to give people reasonable access throughout Inverclyde.'

'The benefits of establishing core paths are simple in that most people taking access in the outdoors do so by following paths and a network of formally identified routes makes for easier, more enjoyable, access opportunities for everyone. In this way it is hoped that core paths will assist landowners in managing access over their land and will receive resources to help maintain them and in some cases upgrade them ... The individual maps are available to view for free on our Website ...'

Other Pages in the Website section “Walks, cycleways and riding routes” are [1] Access to the countryside - - - : [2] Walks, cycleways and riding routes - - - : [4] Public Rights of Way - - - : [5] Midlothian Access Forum.

'The Core Paths Plan includes a suite of maps showing the core paths for each area or island. The Plan and accompanying maps can be viewed by following the links ...'

'The Core Paths Plan identifies the paths and routes that the public feel are the most important in the area for providing access by non-motorised means ... The Plan shows routes that are surfaced paths, dirt tracks, grass paths, pavements and minor roads. Access points have been shown to the National Cycle Network and to rivers and lochs in the area ... Not every route is suitable for everyone and therefore the plan also includes information about each route which will help you to decide whether a route is suitable for you or not.'

'Directory provides you with 65 detailed, printable maps which provide a guide to all our local paths.'

'Core Paths Plans were introduced by Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. The purpose of the Plan is to designate a system of paths to provide the basic framework of routes (which are) sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area (and which will) link into and support wider networks of other paths and routes.'

Map of the Core paths which can be overlaid with details of various 'key environmental layers' including several pertaining to 'Walking and Cycling'.

'The Plan is divided into four sections: [1] Core paths plan main text - - - : [2] Strategic environmental assessment report - - - : [3] Core paths list and water access/egress points  - - - : [4] Core paths plan map indexes and maps

'Core Paths are paths or other routes, including waterways, which facilitate access rights under the Act. They will provide a basic framework of paths which will link in to and support the wider path network in West Dunbartonshire. To achieve this, the core path network consists mostly of existing paths and some new paths ...'