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CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 
Paper 5 – Update and forward look 31 October 2006


CAIRNGORMS LOCAL OUTDOOR ACCESS FORUM 


Title: Update and forward look 

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 sine 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 funding package finalised for implementation in 2007/08 

• Speyside Way extension to Newtonmore: consultation is ongoing - several meetings 
held and correspondence with some parties 

• Correspondence with SNH and others about formation of Park-wide Access Trust 

• Funding contribution given to Upper Deeside Access Trust and work under way on 
Sluggain - Quoich path and elsewhere 

• Follow up to discussions held with RSPB about review of Abernethy Reserve 
Management Plan 

• Meetings with local community about replacement of Gynack Bridge in Kingussie 

• Grants offered to Dava Way Association and other paths projects 

• Two community based training courses held on community involvement in path 
management and maintenance 


2: Promoting responsible outdoor access and management 

• Two workshops held on best practice in use of signs as part of Land based Business 
Training Project 

• Adverts placed in walking festival publications for next year 

• Held annual meeting, drawing together anglers and canoeists on the River Spey 

• Ongoing work as part of JMA with 1300 participants this year 

• Workshop at SNH Battleby integrating code with outdoor providers work 


3: Promoting visitor information about outdoor access opportunities 

• Scoping study under way about the need for a new customer-oriented website for the 
Park 

• Panorama maps commissioned with five views of Cairngorms for use in orientation 
and interpretation 

• Plans finalised with VisitScotland for Visitor Guide 2007 

• Reprint of Scotways Hill Tracks leaflet 


4: Promoting sustainable transport for enjoyment of the Park 

• Reviewed the successful “Heather Hopper” bus service with a view to extension next 
year 

• Received interim research report on transport audit with final report due in mid-
November and conference on sustainable tourism on 1 Nov. 

• Reviewed Explorer leaflet (public transport timetable with suggested walks) with a 
view to continuation next year 

• Responded to Transport Scotland’s National Transport Strategy 


5: Promoting healthy lifestyles 

• Grant offered to fund Step it up Highland project officer to develop health walk in 
Badenoch and Strathspey 

• On going grant to Walk Deeside 


6. Miscellaneous 

• Redrafting of National Park Plan in the light of consultation feedback 

• Response drafted to the consultation led by Forestry Commission Scotland and HIE 
about the proposed transfer of Cairngorm Estate 


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

• Finalisation of consultation on Speyside Way Extension and recommendations made 
to Board in early December 

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

• Taking forward actions arising from the transport audit 

• Approval of National Park Plan by Board in early December 

• Workshop for Golf course managers in early December 

• Rangers Annual Gathering – late November 


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 

• Any suggestions? 


Bob Grant 
October 2006 

bobgrant@cairngorms.co.uk