Core Paths Plan consultation

Put simply the Core Paths Plan is a mapped network of paths sufficient to provide reasonable access, ensuring people can exercise their access rights across the Park. It is a statutory duty of the Park Authority that we have, and review regularly a Core Paths Plan.  

Following an internal review, an informal consultation was undertaken in May 2025 where the public were invited to make suggestions for changes to the Plan. Several themes, proposed path changes and key matters of interest arose, these have been reviewed by the Park Authority with input from the Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF).

Matters arising from the informal consultation

During the informal consultation suggestions were received to both designate additional routes as core paths (40 paths suggested) and to de-designate core paths (10 suggestions), as well as a number of realignments to existing core paths. 

A number of themes emerged from the informal consultation as being the most popular matters of interest by volume of responses. Whilst not exhaustive these are best summarised as: 

• The Tulloch Moor Track
• Glenmore - Allt Mor path from Glenmore to Cairngorm Mountain
• Aviemore to Carrbridge proposed NMU (Non-Motorised User) route
• Private level crossings 

A review was also undertaken of all core paths on classified roads (A and B class roads) which considered the appropriateness and safety of these routes.  

The outcomes of the Park Authority’s position on these above matters is presented in the issues report.  

Core Paths plan issues report 2026

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This document contains a review of the Core Paths Plan, outlining the key issues and decisions made before the Draft Plan goes to public consultation. The plan will see an overall increase of 17 miles, expanding the network from 693 miles to 710 miles by 2026. Important changes include de-designating core paths over private level crossings at places like Dalnaspidal and Newtonmore, following Scottish Government guidance. The review also led to removing some core paths on roads and pavements (totalling 7.2 kilometres) and re-classifying 6.5 kilometres as 'aspirational paths' for future development where routes don't yet exist, for example, near Laggan. From public suggestions, ten new paths were added as candidate core paths, while others were rejected due to not meeting objectives or being unsuitable. Some existing paths were de-designated because of safety concerns like landslips (such as parts of the Glenmore Alt Mor path and Newtonmore's Wildcat trail) or because better alternatives now exist. The report also addresses concerns from land managers about forestry operations and notes that path maintenance is prioritised within budget limits, as there isn't a set standard for upkeep.

Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.

A Draft Core Paths Plan (2026) has now been produced incorporating the outcomes of the issues raised and some additional core paths.  

The Draft Plan is now being put out to formal consultation for a period of 12 weeks from the 25 May 2026.