Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - November 2025

This document contains information for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum, specifically regarding a review of the Core Paths Plan information consultation. Vicky Hilton, the Outdoor Access Officer, prepared the document. The purpose is for Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) members to review the draft "Informal consultation summary" and give feedback. Also, LOAF members will discuss their thoughts on key topics from the informal consultation, which will be presented via PowerPoint. The core paths are intended to create a network providing reasonable access throughout the Cairngorms National Park, aiming to conserve the park's heritage, help land management, prioritize areas in Active Cairngorms, offer activities, be widely accessible, include popular routes, and connect communities with transport and important places.

This document contains an informal consultation summary for the Cairngorms National Park Authority's review of the Core Paths Plan. The consultation, which ran from 29 May to 31 August 2025, was promoted online, through stakeholder engagement, and via the Cairn magazine. A total of 208 responses were received, with the majority related to Badenoch and Strathspey. Respondents included members of the public, landowners, community groups, and organizations. The responses covered general comments, existing core paths, proposed additional core paths, and suggested amendments. Key matters arising included specific paths and crossings, and all feedback will be reviewed to produce a Draft Core Paths Plan for further consultation in Spring 2026.

This document contains information for members of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF). It invites them to provide advice on recruiting new members and how to appoint a new convener, as the current one is stepping down in February 2026. The document also includes background information on the LOAF's membership, representation, and operating procedures. It outlines the process for electing a convener, including nominations, voting methods, and tie-breaking procedures. The document also includes an annex containing the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum operating procedures.

This document contains an update on the work undertaken and planned by the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum. It covers statutory duties, including the Core Paths Plan review, promotion of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and outdoor access events guidance. It also discusses a fire byelaw, approved by Scottish ministers and set to be introduced in 2026, which will ban recreational fires and barbecues in the Cairngorms National Park from April to September, with certain exemptions. Additionally, the document outlines development and management of core paths, such as upgrades to the Speyside Way, work on the Carrbridge Path to School, and promotion of accessible paths, as well as improvements to visitor infrastructure, including path works at Loch an Eilean and improvements to the Cairns on Balmoral Estate, funded by the Visitor Infrastructure Improvement Programme.