Formal Board Paper 4 Annex 2 - issues report

This document contains a report from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (the Park Authority) on its Core Paths Plan review, which involved the Access Team, the Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF), and the Senior Management Team (SMT). The updated plan will gain an additional 17 miles, increasing the total core path network from 693 to 710 miles. Key changes include de-designating core paths at private level crossings, like Dalnaspidal and Newtonmore, following Scottish Government guidance. Some core paths on roads were either de-designated or re-classified as 'aspirational' paths, indicating important links where a route is not yet established. Ten new path suggestions from public consultation were added, while specific routes such as Aviemore to Carrbridge are not included yet due to ongoing development issues. Forestry management concerns were addressed by confirming that core paths can be temporarily diverted for operations. Several specific paths, including Glenmore Alt Mor and a section of the Wildcat trail, were de-designated due to safety issues like landslips, with the Park Authority actively investigating alternative routes for these important connections.