WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. 
The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and 
misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you 
should refer to the pdf version of this document.


CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 
Paper 4 – Update and forward look 16 January 2007


CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 


Title: Update and forward look January 2007 

Prepared by: Bob Grant, Senior Outdoor Access Officer 


Purpose 

To provide an update on the main areas of work undertaken by CNPA staff since the last 
Forum meeting (work which does not otherwise appear on the agenda) and plans for the 
months ahead. The report is structured using headings from the draft Outdoor Access 
Strategy. 


Recommendations: 

The Forum is asked to note the work undertaken since the last meeting and the main areas 
of work anticipated over the next few months. Questions, comments and suggestions are all 
welcome. 

A. Update on main areas of work undertaken since last Forum meeting 

1. Improving path provision and quality 

• Glenmore off-road route: Project Management discussions have now 
commenced with implementation due in summer 2007/08 

• Speyside Way extension to Newtonmore: CNPA Board approved the 
recommendation to SNH which proposes the route follows the Wade Road from 
Aviemore to Dalraddy and thereafter the line previously proposed to 
Newtonmore. 

• Further development work undertaken on a Park-wide Access Trust. A paper 
will be going to CNPA Board in February on this topic. 

• Contributed to the development of a work programme for 2007/08 for the Upper 
Deeside Access Trust 

• Assisted Aberdeenshire Council in securing funding for the Deeside Way. 

• Further correspondence with RSPB about managing access in Abernethy 
Reserve 

• Completed 23 community / public meetings as part of the Core Paths Planning 
process 

• Grants offers to be made for the development of additional routes at Laggan, 
construction of a new Moulzie bridge, boardwalk at Abernethy, path repairs in 
Nethybridge and a path survey in and around Aviemore. 


2. Promoting responsible outdoor access and management 

• Golf course managers workshop held on 6 December 

• Met with SRPBA members to discuss CNPA access remit 

• Presented at Scottish Countryside Access Network on land management and 
outdoor access 

• Developing response to SNH on proposed restrictions to access at an 
environmentally sensitive site 

• Presenting on Ranger involvement in access issues at the Ranger gathering 

• Purchased a stock of temporary signs for land managers 


3. Promoting visitor information about outdoor access opportunities 

• Scoping study completed about a new customer-oriented website for the Park 
which will be discussed at the January meeting of the Visit Forum 

• Panorama maps of Cairngorms currently being developed with roll out of the 5 
maps to take place between February and December 2007. 

• Visitor Guide 2007 to be published 1st week in February 

• Supported the production of Ballater trail leaflet, Glen Esk leaflet and Explore 
Abernethy leaflet 

• “Cairngorms Connections” course developed. This is a product knowledge 
training course designed for staff working in front line tourism businesses 


4. Promoting sustainable transport for enjoyment of the Park 

• Research report on transport audit complete 


5. Promoting healthy lifestyles 

• Supporting Walk Deeside to expand into Donside with funding managed through 
UDAT 


6. Miscellaneous 

• Study on economic impacts from Wolftrax (Laggan off-road cycling routes) 
complete 

• Park Plan approved by Board and forwarded to Scottish Executive for 
consideration 


B. Forward look to main areas of work anticipated before next Forum meeting 

• Finalisation of Outdoor Access Strategy for approval by Board in February 

• Criteria and maps for 2nd Core Paths Planning consultation for approval by 
Board in February 

• Commencement of study on making Speyside Way suitable for use by multiple 
forms of non motorised recreation 


C. Items proposed for next meeting of the Forum (to be confirmed with 
Convener/Vice-Convener) 

• Review of outdoor access problems experienced by land managers 

• Plans for promotion of the Code in 2007/08 


Bob Grant 
December 2006 

bobgrant@cairngorms.co.uk