Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - August 2021

This document contains a summary of partnership work in the Cairngorms National Park during the summer of 2021, aimed at encouraging visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP) set up visitor working groups and hosted meetings to engage with local groups, while also attending Scottish Government National Groups. Live plans for key rural areas were developed, and the #CairngormsTogether messaging was promoted to encourage responsible behaviour. The CNPA and CBP websites covered key information for visitors, and videos promoting safe visits were developed. The CNPA also addressed issues like littering through the Tread Lightly in Cairngorms campaign and provided funding for community litter picks. The CNPA continued to employ seasonal rangers and fund ranger training, with additional rangers employed by other organisations and the Family of Cairngorms Rangers communicating via mobile phone groups. Capital funding was allocated to visitor infrastructure projects, and the CNPA secured funding for additional projects in the coming years. While key rural hotspots were busy, visitor behaviour was generally better than anticipated, and actions were taken to manage parking and patrol key areas.

This document contains an update from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum about the amount and types of casework handled between 2019 and 2021. The National Park Authority has responsibilities to give advice, respond to enquiries, and deal with complaints about access rights. To keep track of this work, a 'casework' record is maintained, logging numbers, types, dates, and handling times. The management of the workload is split between two Outdoor Access Officers, with administrative support. The record shows an increase in casework for the first half of the year since 2019, with the years as follows: 2021 with 136 cases, 2020 with 71 cases and 2019 with 105 cases. Planning and Forestry consultations contributed to an increase in March. The document also notes that casework handling capacity and procedures have been able to handle fluctuations in numbers and types of issues.

This document contains information regarding the closure of the Dalwhinnie Railway Crossing by Network Rail, impacting outdoor access. Adam Streeter-Smith, Outdoor Access Officer, prepared the document to inform members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) about the circumstances, consider the closure's impact, and seek advice on suitable solutions. Network Rail closed the crossing on 28 July, citing health and safety reasons, without consulting the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority). This closure affects public rights of way, access to popular Munros, and requires a 1.5 mile diversion. The Park Authority is seeking further information from Network Rail and has invited them to a LOAF meeting to discuss alternatives. The document seeks advice from LOAF members on the impact of the closure and steps to find a solution.

This document contains a briefing about the closure of the Ben Alder level crossing by Network Rail on 28 July 2021. The decision was made to limit access to authorized users and emergency services due to safety concerns, as it's a private crossing with no public right of way. Network Rail considered public use but decided the safest option was restricted access. They acknowledge the community's upset and aim to improve communication, working with local groups to enhance signage for alternative routes and address concerns about car park usage. While understanding community proposals for alternatives, Network Rail notes these would require funding and time, and they intend to arrange a meeting with the community council and relevant authorities to discuss the situation further.

This document contains the minutes from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) meeting on 25 August 2021. The meeting covered a review of the National Park Partnership Plan, where it was highlighted that the LOAF would play a crucial role in shaping indicators around mental and physical health outcomes for people enjoying the National Park. There was also an update on managing visitors, highlighting positive feedback and the need to improve visitor infrastructure. The closure of the Dalwhinnie Railway Crossing and its impact on access to Loch Ericht was discussed, with members agreeing the current measures were unsatisfactory. Finally, there was a discussion on LOAF membership and future meetings.