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CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 
Paper 3 Monitoring the condition of Core Paths 19 August 2008 


CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 


Title: Monitoring the condition of Core Paths 

Prepared by: Adam Streeter Smith, Outdoor Access Officer 

Purpose: To inform and ask advice of the LOAF on the development 
of a monitoring methodology for core paths 

Advice Sought 

1. The Forum are asked to consider whether the use of the draft criteria 
for monitoring the condition of core paths, as outlined in the table 
below, sets an appropriate bench mark for core paths in the Park? 

Background 

2. The Cairngorms National Park Authority, along with other Access 
Authorities has been preparing a Core Paths Plan. If the current draft 
plan proceeds unchallenged to adoption, it will designate a total of 
885Km of paths in the Park, 25km of which will be new construction. 

3. Having designated the core paths, work will begin to make sure that 
the paths are easy to find and to follow, well sign-posted and, as far as 
possible, free from barriers and obstructions. The paths do not have to 
be of a specific type or quality. 

4. In order to implement the Core Paths Plan we need to establish the 
condition of paths in the network. This will help set annual targets and 
direct resources. At present the CNPA does not have a monitoring 
system in place to plan this work and report on progress back to the 
LOAF, CNPA Board or the Scottish Government. However in Scotland 
work has already been started by the Paths for All Partnership, this forms 
the basis of the table below. 

5. It is important to remember that this process is not about setting a 
minimum construction standard for core paths, but about being able 
to ensure that, as a whole, all paths in the Core Paths Plan meet the 
objectives1 of the path network, whilst preserving the individual aspects 
that make them attractive to users 

6. To help the CNPA develop its thinking further on what “favourable 
condition” of paths looks like and design a survey we will be hosting a 
workshop on the 4th September at 1:30pm in Talla Nan Ross in Kingussie. 

Adam Streeter Smith 
28 July 2008 
adamstreetersmith@cairngorms.co.uk 


1 The core paths network will: 

• Help to conserve the Parks’ natural and cultural heritage and encourage people to 
enjoy it in a responsible way 
• Help those living and working on the land 
• Help to deliver the priorities for each area identified in the Outdoor Access Strategy 
• Provide for a wide range of activities 
• Provide for a wide range of abilities 
• Include a wide range of popular routes; and 
• Include paths within, around and between communities and to public transport 
connections and places of local importance 



Condition Standards for Core Paths – as developed by Paths for all Partnership 

Feature  /   'Satisfactory' criteria  /   Comments 

Surface 
Firm, dry, free of mud, holes, ruts, significant loose material 
Natural surfaces can 
fulfil this criterion. Some 
puddling acceptable if 
surveyed in extreme wet 
weather / snow melt. 

Path Corridor 
Free of obstructions, 
overhanging branches to 3.5m 
tall, encroaching vegetation. 
Minimum clear width typically 
2.5m. 
Short 'pinch points' of 
less than 2.5m width 
acceptable (for 
example around a 
building, large tree etc.) 
This section would also 
note landslips blocking 
path 

Drainage 
Culverts, ditches or other drains 
free of blockages, erosion, 
collapse of headwalls or ditch 
sides 
This refers to existing 
drainage features, not 
problems due to a lack 
of drainage - these 
would be covered 
under surface. 

Bridges and 
boardwalks 
No detectable movement of 
deck or handrail, no splinters on 
handrail, no broken members, 
deck has good slip resistance, 
no trip hazards 
Bridges should be 
catalogued and 
assessed for suitability 
for different users and a 
formal inspection 
regime instigated for 
spans greater than 1.5m 

Other structures 
Revetments stable and erosion 
free, no bulges, sagging or loose 
material. Timberwork solid and 
free of broken or cracked 
members, gabions even and 
wires in tact. 

Gates and 
access controls 
If no stock proofing required, 
control to be gap of 1.5m width 
(1.2m absolute minimum). If 
stock proofing required 2-way 
opening self-closing gate 
capable of being opened with 
one hand. Any structures to be 
solid, free of splinters, cracks or 
broken members, latches to be 
functional, hinges to be free moving. 
Other gates non SOAC 
or DDA compliant. 
Surface defects through 
gates to be noted 
under 'surface' section 


Signs 
Clearly readable, enables users 
to follow route, uses 'path' in 
wording. No wording or symbols 
which discourage non-motorised 
use 
Other features may 
allow users to follow 
route e.g. clear path 
line, gates in fence lines 
visible. 'Footpath', 'bridle 
path', or 'cycle path' not 
required. 

Seating 
Solid and stable, clean, 
accessible, free of splinters 
Could include minimum 
distance criteria as per 
Fieldfare Trust standards