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 – Carr-Bridge Date: Tuesday 24rd April 2007 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Carr-Bridge Village Hall Location: Carr-Bridge No. Attending: 12 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: • Formalising the existing network A concern was raised that designating the informal network might result in development that negatively effects the local character of the path. There was a strong desire to keep some routes informal in their nature. It was explained that any path could be a core path and its designation didn’t indicate a particular build standard. A Core Path could be anything from a beaten grass sward to a sealed bitumen surface. • Snakey Bridge The omission of the path linking the woodland to the village over the Snakey Bridge would effect the sufficiency of the network as it is very popular. • Informal and formal consultation Clarification was sought as to which stage of the process communities would have the greatest influence on the number of paths and their location. All were encouraged to respond during the current consultation as the options for further refinement are likely to be less during the formal consultation which is expected to take place in the spring of next year. • Core Paths and maintenance Clarification was sought as to whether there would be a minimum standard of maintenance of core paths. It was noted that there already existed a wide range of maintenance options, such as land management contracts, and this would still be the case regarding Core Paths. • Forestry Impacts The issue was raised that ongoing forestry practices are causing water logging and damage to the existing network. This issue had come out of other consultation meetings and was an on-going problem where forestry was such an important land use. The benefits of such paths becoming core paths would assist in ensuring appropriate re-instatement and afford protection from development. • Accuracy of lines on maps A number of errors were noted with regard to path lines and advice was given on where they should more accurately be drawn. • Extent of the network One respondent had concerns that the network was not nearly extensive enough with only one route being shown linking Slochd to Carr-bridge. A number of additional paths were suggested by the respondent to address the issue. Is the proposed core paths network sufficient to give you reasonable access throughout the area? (Not available in full text format) Overall, attendees were happy with the sufficiency of the network providing that the lines on the maps are more accurate, there was a keen interest in ensuring there were enough paths to make up an orbital route around the village. 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. A revised version will be considered by the CNPA Board in December 2007 and the revised Plan will then be submitted to Scottish Ministers in February 2008. Cairngorms National Park Authority 25 April 2007 adamstreetersmith@cairngorms.co.uk Annex 1 Comments made on maps and diagrams are shown below and have been recorded exactly as written by participants: H Diagram What is good about it? • Improved outdoor access good for dog walkers What is bad about it? • Condition of some paths need to be upgraded to make access easier/ safer for elderly/less able people How could it be improved? • Funding needed • Another crossing of Dulnain to the east of the current bridge (to reduce need to use A936) Map comments Carr-Bridge Map • Boundary walk around whole of Carr- Bridge • LBS53 – Line of path is a forest edge • LBS55 – path doesn’t exist • LBS60 link to LBS56 is incomplete • LBS63 Flooded and crosses existing ford Dulnain Bridge Map • Locked gates on Dulnain Bridge to Grantown Caravan Park – lots of locked gates but not yet on Core Path Network Aviemore Map • Bridge to Cambusmore Lower Badenoch and Strathspey map • LBS63 – Route 7 badly rutted by forestry ops – now needs grading and clearing • Abernethy Forest- There is a loop comprising the RSPB “Red route” and the old red route- both ones important for walkers and cyclists • Speyside Way not easily found from Aviemore • Increased tree planting screening traffic noise from Aviemore residents. • Beautiful walk in Inshraich Upper Badenoch and Strathspey map • UBS9 – 2 years ago the old A9 was barely passable on bike due to tress and moss. Who maintains it? • UBS8 – Streams between Dalballoch and Glenballoch difficult to ford Upper Donside and Glenlivet map • The military roads should be designated core paths Participants were asked to evaluate the event, the results are as follows: % of Participants Responding Location Very Useful 100% Useful 00% 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 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Information Available Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0% Opportunity to speak to staff Very Useful 100% Useful 0% Not Useful 0% Waste of Time 0%