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 National Park Core Paths Plan Consultation and Engagement Process – Stage 2 Public Consultation Meeting – Braemar Date: Wednesday 18 April Time: 7:30pm Venue: Village Hall Location: Braemar No. Attending: 17 Introduction This report details the feedback obtained at a public meeting where people were asked to give their views on the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan. Summary During the meeting the following issues were raised: • New Paths Issues relating to the evolution of new paths or increased pressure of access on an area was raised, e.g. due to a new path or bridge improving access to an area. The requirement for land owner permission for new paths was also raised as well as the potential need to fence in or provide a boundary for new paths. There was concern that some proposed new paths and bridges in the Plan would need to be assessed for their feasibility and their potential environmental impact. • Dog Fouling Concern was raised regarding increased dog fouling in some areas of Braemar and the irresponsible behaviour of dog owners who do not pick up dog mess. • Promoting Core Paths It was suggested that the signage of core paths should be standardised across the National Park and that there is a need to improve signage from the centre of the village. There was also some demand for better visitor information regarding paths. • Rivers as Core Paths It was noted that the River Spey has been proposed as a core path but not the River Dee. There was some concern that the upper stretches of the River Dee may not be suitable for promotion as a core path due to low water levels and environmental sensitivities. • Mountain Paths It was noted that Mountain paths have not been included in the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan because these paths may not be suitable for the level of promotion that will be afforded to core paths, particularly their inclusion on Ordnance Survey maps. • Funding There was some concern that resources and funding for core paths should be equal across the Park, it was also noted that in the short term at least, funding for low ground paths would be prioritised for core paths. No specific funding has been provided to the Cairngorms National Park Authority for core paths and there was concern that existing and new paths may fall into disrepair in the future due to lack of funding for maintenance. • Sufficiency of the network In general participants at the event felt that the proposed core paths network is sufficient to give reasonable access throughout the area. Participants were asked to score the proposed core paths network in relation to its sufficiency to give reasonable access throughout the area by placing a mark on a line from ‘sufficient’ to ‘not sufficient’, the results are as follows: Is the proposed core paths network sufficient to give you reasonable access throughout the area? (Not available in full text format) All comments made on maps and diagrams at the event have been recorded in Annex 1. Next Steps The comments and issues raised at this meeting will inform revisions to the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan as part of the wider consultation process. The revised Plan will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers in February 2008. Cairngorms National Park Authority 20 April 2007 sandramiddleton@cairngorms.co.uk Annex 1 Comments made on maps and diagrams are shown below and have been recorded exactly as written by participants: • ‘Key public transport connections are a bit limited in the Braemar area – need better transport to Glenshee/Linn of Dee.’ • Paths around Braemar are in a very confined area • UDE 33 – Any way of continuing this to re-join the Pass of Ballater to make a round trip? • EC4 - follows bank of South Esk on Western side. Bridge and path within FC ground • EC1 – path on south side of White Water (on forest edge) within FC ground. Only on Balmoral on Northern side. • UDE 10/9 – Path from bridge – south follow deer fence around to A93. Main road path upgrade back to village. Links to Queens Drive. All abilities, easily constructed. • UDEs 9/10 – Paths from new society bridge. This was originally proposed to go behind the caravan park, skirt the golf course and come out at the Glenshee Road near the end of the Queen’s Drive. • UDE 7 – Where’s the path? There is a golf course which has a path way through it. Extend UDE -9-7 UDE17. • UDE 6,5 – Continuation of the path from Tomintoul farm to the golf course road would make a fine round trip from the village (path way already exists). • ADD link path from Tomintoul to golf course road as exists. • ADD link path from Fife Mews through to curling pond to join UDE 11 & Braemar Gallery to the same. • Path village to Corriemulzie Gorge and onward to Mar Lodge Bridge along river side – I second this! • Path on south side of Dee from Braemar – at least as far as Corriemulzie? Doesn’t this already exist? Aberdeenshire Council way-marked and worked on it once upon a time. • Overemphasis on Speyside – yes! That is where the A9 is and most population is, but should be a fair spread throughout the Park. • Keeps walkers off the main road & Linn of Dee Road which is good & aspirational bits good • The River Dee and access to it should be considered Core • Sufficient but limited for people staying in the area for say a week (not the mountaineers!!!!) Participants were asked to evaluate the event, the results are as follows: % of Participants Responding Location Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Venue Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Timing Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Presentations Very Useful 89% Useful 11% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Information Available Very Useful 89% Useful 11% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Opportunity to speak to staff Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0%