Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum - November 2026

This document contains the agenda for the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum Teams meeting on 4 November 2026. Key discussion points include the approval of previous meeting minutes, peatland restoration and public access, objections to the Core Paths Plan, and the National Park Partnership Plan. The agenda also covers an inquiry from the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs Committee on outdoor access, and a report on recreation access and infrastructure. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 February 2027, and will be held online.

This document contains an update and discussion from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum about their Core Paths Plan Review. A public consultation on the amended Core Paths Plan received 67 comments, with 24 objections relating to 13 paths. The document details these objections, including concerns about safety, environmental impact on protected species like capercaillie, and access for different user groups. The Cairngorms National Park Authority is currently discussing and negotiating modifications to the plan to address these objections, with further consultation with the LOAF and relevant stakeholders expected between November and December 2026. The final Core Paths Plan will be presented to the National Park Board on 19 March 2027 for adoption, or submitted to Scottish Ministers if objections remain.

This document contains information about the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum (LOAF) and the draft National Park Partnership Plan (NPPP) for 2027 to 2032. LOAF members are being asked to review and offer advice on the plan's missions, activities, and actions. The NPPP is a guide for everyone involved with the National Park to work together on important issues, aiming for "an outstanding National Park, enjoyed and valued by everyone, where nature and people thrive together". The draft plan focuses on three missions: nature and climate resilience, communities, and ensuring the National Park is for everyone. A public consultation is running until 13 January 2027, with the final plan expected to be approved by the Park Authority Board on 19 March 2027 and then submitted to the Scottish Government. Some specific actions relevant to the LOAF include reviewing the Active Cairngorms Action Plan, extending the Deeside Way, improving the Speyside Way for cycling, developing a path link from Loch Morlich to Cairngorm Mountain, reducing disturbance to wildlife from recreation, educating young people about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and considering recreation routes as fire breaks.

This document contains an update from the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum about their ongoing work in recreation, access, and infrastructure. They've been busy investigating access issues like locked gates and a long-term path closure, and they managed temporary closures during wildfires. There's also progress on paths like the Speyside Way and Carrbridge Path, and a successful community path day happened in Kingussie. The team is also working to reduce disturbances to wildlife and has been implementing a new fire management byelaw. This byelaw, which ran from 1 April to 30 September 2026, involved training staff, putting up signs, and communicating with the public. Ranger patrols increased, and while some fires were still found, the number significantly decreased compared to previous years, with most people cooperating. Two cases of non-compliance were reported to the authorities.