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Cairngorms National Park
Core Paths Plan
March 2010
Published by the Cairngorms National Park Authority
© CNPA 2010. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-906071-09-7

Cairngorms National Park Authority
14 The Square
Grantown-on-Spey
Moray PH26 3HG
Tel: 01479 873535
Fax: 01479 873527
Email: enquiries@cairngorms.co.uk
www.cairngorms.co.uk

For a large print version of this publication, please contact
the Cairngorms National Park Authority on 01479 873535.
It can also be viewed on our website and is available in
other formats on request.

Cover photograph:
Winter walking in Anagach Woods, Grantown-on-Spey © David Gowans


Contents 3
Foreword 5
1. Introduction 6
2. Purpose of the Core Paths Network 7
Context 7
Vision and Objectives 8
3. Developing the Core Paths Plan 9
4. Implementing the Core Paths Plan 11
5. Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura 12
6. How to use the Core Paths Plan 13
7. Monitoring 13
8. Review 14
9. The Core Paths Network 14
List of Maps 15
Map 1 Cairngorms National Park 16
Map 2 Central Cairngorms 17
Map 3 Eastern Cairngorms 18
Map 4 Upper Deeside 19
Map 5 Linn of Dee 20
Map 6 Braemar 21
Map 7 Crathie 22
Map 8 Glen Tanar 22
Map 9 Ballater 23
Map 10 Dinnet and Cambus O’May 24
Map 11 Upper Donside 25
Map 12 Strathdon 26
Map 13 Glenlivet and Tomintoul 27
Map 14 Tomintoul 28
Map 15 Drumin and Tomnavoulin 28
contents page
Map 16 Lower Badenoch and Strathspey 29
Map 17 Grantown-on-Spey and Cromdale 30
Map 18 Dulnain Bridge and Nethy Bridge 31
Map 19 Carr-Bridge 32
Map 20 Boat of Garten 33
Map 21 Aviemore 34
Map 22 Kincraig and Insh 35
Map 23 Kingussie 36
Map 24 Upper Badenoch and Strathspey 37
Map 25 Newtonmore 38
Map 26 Laggan 39
Map 27 Dalwhinnie 40
Map 28 Glenmore and Rothiemurchus 41
Annex 1 – List of candidate core paths for future Plan reviews 42
contents (continued) page

Foreword

Enjoying the outdoors is something that we all do and we are very lucky to have the
Cairngorms National Park as a fantastic backdrop for walking, cycling, canoeing and horse riding.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority, along with all the other Access Authorities in Scotland
have been asking communities about the important paths in their area. This has allowed us draw
up a Core Paths Plan which will provide the basic network of paths in the National Park.
Most of these paths will be located on lower ground close to communities, but a small number
will provide links through the mountains and one river is included. The benefits of this new
network will contribute positively to improving people’s health, stimulating more physical
activity, social inclusion and the minimisation of carbon emissions to help address climate
change. Core paths will also play an important role in helping to reduce potential conflicts with
those who manage the land.

The network of paths identified in this document provide this basic framework for the
Cairngorms National Park, but much work still remains to be done to improve the condition of
these paths and to ensure they are well promoted and waymarked. We will be working with
partners to deliver this important piece of work over the next few years.

Facal-toisich

Tha e a’ còrdadh rinn uile a bhith a-muigh agus tha sinn gu math fortanach gu bheil Pàirc
Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh againn mar àite air leth math airson a bhith a’ coiseachd, a’ falbh
le baidhsagal, a’ canùadh agus a’ marcachd each.

Tha Ùghdarras Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh, còmhla ri na h-Ùghdarrasan Ruigsinneachd
eile ann an Alba air a bhith a’ sireadh fiosrachaidh bho choimhearsnachdan mu na slighean a tha
cudromach san sgìre aca. Tha seo air cothrom a thoirt dhuinn Plana Prìomh Shlighean a dhealbh
a bheir dhuinn bun-lìonra de shlighean sa Phàirc Nàiseanta.

Tha a’ mhòr-chuid de na slighean seo rin lorg air talamh ìosal faisg air coimhearsnachdan, ach
bidh cuid dhiubh nan slighean tro na beanntan agus tha aon abhainn nam measg. Bidh sochairean
an lùib an lìonra ùir seo a bhios a’ cur ri leasachadh slàinte dhaoine, a’ brosnachadh tuilleadh
eacarsaich chorporra, in-ghabhail sòisealta agus lùghdachadh gualan gus buaidh a thoirt air
atharrachadh na sìde. Bidh Prìomh Shlighean cuideachd cudromach ann a bhith a’ lùghdachadh
bhuairidhean a dh’fhaodadh a bhith ann le daoine a tha an urra ris an fhearann.
Tha an lìonra shlighean a tha air an comharrachadh san sgrìobhainn seo a’ tabhann freàm-obrach
shìmplidh do Phàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh, ach tha tòrr obrach fhathast ri dhèanamh
gus staid nan slighean seo a leasachadh agus gus dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil iad air an deagh
shanasachd agus air an deagh chomharrachadh. Bidh sinn ag obair còmhla ri com-pàirtichean gus
an obair chudromach seo a lìbhrigeadh thar nam bliadhnaichean a tha romhainn.

David Green, Convener, Cairngorms National Park Authority
Daibhidh Green, Neach-gairm, Ùghdarras Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh

Introduction

1.1 This document sets out the core paths network for the Cairngorms National Park.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has worked to identify and
designate a network of core paths, which will make it easier for everyone to enjoy
the outdoors responsibly. These core paths will provide opportunities for everyone,
including walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and canoeists. The core paths network will
enable people of all ages and abilities to move around their area whether it is for
getting to the shops, walking the dog or enjoying the outdoors. The real difference
will be around communities where there will be a more visible network of paths for
everyone to enjoy.

1.2 The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places in Scotland to enjoy the
outdoors. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (‘the Act’) provides everyone with
non-motorised access rights to almost all land and inland water in Scotland, as long
as they are used responsibly. In doing so the public, communities, landowners and
businesses can reap the benefits of access, from improved health and wellbeing to
helping safeguard our most valuable birds and habitats.

Purpose of the Core Paths Network

Context

2.1 The Cairngorms National Park Authority has a duty under the Act to prepare a
Core Paths Plan and to keep it under review. Section 17(1) of the Land Reform
(Scotland) Act 2003 states that the core paths network should be, ‘…sufficient for
the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area’. This is
further defined in guidance which was produced by the Scottish Government for
Local Authorities and National Park Authorities. The guidance states that, the
‘sufficiency’ of the proposed core paths network to give reasonable access
throughout the area may be assessed by the extent to which it demonstrates
reasonable responsiveness to local consultations, key public policy objectives and
the Outdoor Access Strategy in relation to and at the scale of the authority's area.
It is important to note that core paths are not intended to limit people’s access
rights but to complement them; this is best illustrated below.

2.2 The network of core paths in the Cairngorms National Park will satisfy the needs
of both visitors and local people for getting about and linking into a much wider
path network and beyond. To achieve this, the core paths network is a mixture of
existing paths and a small number of new paths, which together provide a cohesive
system. The Cairngorms National Park core paths network includes:

1. existing paths and tracks
2. paths that need to be built
3. quiet roads
4. pavements
5. the River Spey

Wider paths network – all paths and tracks
General access rights off-paths – across open land,
hills, woods etc

Core paths – the basic framework of paths 

2.3 The vision and objectives were identified for the Core Paths Plan during the consultation
process and with the advice of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum. The vision
and objectives for the Plan also reflect key public policy objectives including those
contained in the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Strategy. The core paths network will
deliver two of the Cairngorms National Park Plan outcomes, which are:

‘A wider range of people will have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors; and
There will be a more extensive, high quality, well maintained and clearly promoted path network
so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors and move around the Park in a way that minimises
reliance on motor vehicles.’

Vision

The Core Paths Plan will help people to enjoy and understand the special qualities of
the Cairngorms National Park by identifying a network of paths which offer a wide
range of high quality outdoor access opportunities.

Objectives

The core paths network will:

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

2.4 The Cairngorms National Park Outdoor Access Strategy 2007-2012 identifies both
policies and areas within the Park which have similar characteristics for outdoor access.
These policies and area priorities have been used in the development of the Core Paths
Plan and, as a consequence, will enable the CNPA to direct resources for further
improvement and development to these priority paths.

NOTE: IMAGES CANNOT BE CONVERTED TO TEXT PLEASE SEE ORIGINAL PDF FOR REFERENCE

Figure 1 - Developing the Core Paths Plan

April, May and
June 2007
September, October
and November 2006
April, May and
June 2008
July 2008 to February 2009
June to November 2009

March 2010 Draft Core Paths Plan

Public Consultation

Is the core paths network sufficient to give
reasonable access throughout the area?
Interim Draft Core Paths Plan
Public Consultation
Have we selected the right paths?
Analyse comments received and draw
up the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan
Analyse comments received and draw
up the Draft Core Paths Plan
Resolve any objections to the
Draft Core Paths Plan
Public Inquiry
Public Engagement
Which paths are important to you?

3. Developing the Core Paths Plan

A three-stage process

A three-stage process was used to ensure full public engagement and consultation took place
in developing the Core Paths Plan. The process is shown in Figure 1.

The process of developing a Core Paths Plan for the Cairngorms National Park Adoption

Stage one

3.1 The first stage began in September 2006. The Cairngorms National Park Authority
encouraged people representing a wide range of interest groups, to tell us which paths
they value and why, what they use the paths for and what concerns they might have over
particular paths. The information obtained at that time was then used to draw up the
Interim Draft Core Paths Plan.

Stage two

3.2 The Interim Draft Core Paths Plan was made available for public consultation during
April to June of 2007. Over 550 people got involved in the consultation and provided
comments on the Plan. The main issues arising from the consultation related to the aim
and criteria used to select paths and the inclusion in the network of: waterways, paths in
upland areas, all promoted paths, rights of way, the Speyside Way, and quiet roads and
pavements. There was also a large number of comments received relating to specific
paths. All of the comments received during the consultation were used to help draw up
the Draft Core Paths Plan.

Stage three

3.3 The consultation on the Draft Core Paths Plan was completed in June 2008.
A total of 82 written objections to the Draft Core Paths Plan were received, with
objections raised on the River Spey, specific paths and on issues such as safety in
the mountains. The CNPA sought to resolve those objections but 23 outstanding
objections went to Public Inquiry. A Public Inquiry was held in June 2009 through to
November, including an informal hearing on the River Spey objections. The ensuing
report was submitted to Ministers in December 2009.

3.4 The Reporter recommended rejection of the objections and the exclusion of one
small section of road. The recommendation was endorsed by Scottish Ministers in
January 2010 who directed the CNPA to adopt the Plan. This was formally done on
19 March 2010.

Implementing the Core Paths Plan

4.1 The core paths network will provide people with high quality outdoor access
opportunities. This does not mean that all paths must be of a specific standard or
highly engineered surface. The high quality will come from the experience itself. This
means that a path surface should be appropriate to its surroundings and terrain and
the surface, whatever it is, kept in good condition. In more remote and upland areas
this may involve keeping erosion in check or repairing the path surface if necessary. It
would not involve making it easier to access. On a cycle path with a tarmac surface it
may involve ensuring potholes are filled in and vegetation kept off the path.

4.2 Where appropriate, the core paths network will be well promoted, signposted and
waymarked and the paths will also be marked on Ordnance Survey and other maps.
The CNPA along with partners will work towards the target of ensuring that any
path included in the core paths network is fit for purpose or can be made fit for
purpose within a relatively short time period after the Plan is adopted. This may
mean that a path has to be built or an existing path improved.

4.3 Some public roads and pavements are core paths as they provide important links in
the network. Roads have only been included in the network if they
are already well used by people for accessing the wider network and where no
suitable off-road alternative could be identified. Guidance from national agencies is
that designation of roads as part the network should be accompanied by relevant
safety measures. The CNPA will work with Local Authority Roads Departments and
the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust to identify and implement appropriate
measures such as reduced speed limits, traffic calming, cycle lanes and signage etc, as
is the case with the existing National Cycle Network. The CNPA will work towards
the development of off-road alternatives for a future review of the Core Paths Plan.

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Natura

5.1 A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been used to help develop the Core
Paths Plan. The Core Paths Plan has a strong positive effect in relation to responsible
access for all, improving air quality and maintaining a healthy population. It also has a
positive effect on improving energy efficiency and reducing waste and pollution.

5.2 The Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Core Paths Plan included an assessment
of potential impacts of the network on the sense of wildness that people might
experience in the area. A number of core paths have been identified in remote and
upland areas, particularly in the Central and Eastern Cairngorms. These paths will not be
subject to further promotion or waymarking and any path works will strive to retain the
wild qualities of the area. This is in line with policies one and eleven of the Outdoor
Access Strategy for the Cairngorms National Park. All of the paths in the Central
Cairngorms area (as noted in the Plan with a CC reference) fall into this category.

5.3 In addition to the SEA, the CNPA worked with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to carry
out Appropriate Assessments to relevant designated sites. These assessments ensured
that any core paths which pass through or near to a Natura 2000 designated site, are
assessed for their potential impact.

How to use the Core Paths Plan

6.1 A Core Paths Plan is a plan containing lists and maps showing the network of core paths;
their relationships to other paths and information on how the core paths were selected.
It is not a promotional document nor does the CNPA intend to promote the paths as
core paths.

6.2 Land managers and developers who manage land in the Cairngorms National Park
should have careful regard to the Core Paths Plan. Land managers should incorporate
measures to protect core paths and ensure that they are free from obstruction.
Developers should use the Plan to protect access on a development site and inform
how access is incorporated in developments.

6.3 Core paths may need to be closed temporarily on occasion, either for path maintenance
or repair works, organised events, or for land management operations which may affect
them. This is to be expected.

6.4 Those interested in promoting outdoor access opportunities, such as communities or
guide book writers, can use the Plan to identify the best paths in an area and be
confident that they are well signposted and accessible to a variety of users. Those
promoting access opportunities are encouraged to follow the guidance produced by
the CNPA.

6.5 Anyone intending to undertake a management operation or propose a development
that might affect a core path should consult with the Cairngorms National Park
Authority Outdoor Access Team.

Monitoring

7.1 The Cairngorms National Park Plan priority for action for high quality outdoor access
has a target of 90 per cent of the core paths network being ‘fit for purpose’ by 2012. The
Park Authority has developed a set of three indicators to measure ‘fit for purpose’ based
around signage and waymarking, path surface and ease of use. A methodology has been
developed to assess these indicators and a monitoring regime has been set in motion to
assess the network on an annual cycle.

Review

8.1 The Core Paths Plan will be reviewed in conjunction with the Cairngorms National Park
Local Plan, probably around 2013. In some cases, paths that appeared in earlier drafts
have not made it into the adopted Plan. Annex 1 (see p42) details all of the candidate
paths that didn’t make it into this Plan. In carrying out the review the CNPA will revisit
this list as an early priority.

8.2 In the interim period, if a land manager needs to permanently divert or realign a core
path for long term land management operations or safety issues then this can be done
through discussion with the CNPA. In such a case the Core Paths Plan would have to be
amended and consideration given to the impact that this may have on the sufficiency of
the network as a whole.

8.3 If the diversion is only temporary then this can be dealt with as it would be on any
other path, in line with the provisions of 4.15 of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The exception is if the core path is also a Right of Way; in these cases the path cannot
be diverted without first going through a formal process.

The Core Paths Network

9.1 Map 1 (see p16) shows the core paths network in its entirety (932 kilometres) across
the Cairngorms National Park. The map also shows the Action Areas of the Park which
have similar characteristics for outdoor access as identified in the Cairngorms National
Park Outdoor Access Strategy 2007-2012. For each Action Area there are a series of
priorities which the core paths network is seeking to address. These Action Areas are
highlighted in bold in the table on page 15.

9.2 On the following pages you will find a map of each area followed by more detailed maps
of the settlements within those areas.

No Area/Settlement No Area/Settlement

1 Cairngorms National Park 15 Drumin and Tomnavoulin
2 The Central Cairngorms 16 Lower Badenoch and Strathspey
3 The Eastern Cairngorms 17 Grantown-on-Spey and Cromdale
4 Upper Deeside 18 Dulnain Bridge and Nethy Bridge
5 Linn of Dee 19 Carr-Bridge
6 Braemar 20 Boat of Garten
7 Crathie 21 Aviemore
8 Glen Tanar 22 Kincraig and Insh
9 Ballater 23 Kingussie
10 Dinnet and Cambus O’May 24 Upper Badenoch and Strathspey
11 Upper Donside 25 Newtonmore
12 Strathdon 26 Laggan
13 Glenlivet and Tomintoul 27 Dalwhinnie
14 Tomintoul 28 Glenmore and Rothiemurchus
List of Maps