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Cairngorms National Park Core Paths Plan 

Consultation and Engagement Process – Stage 2 

Public Consultation Meeting – Grantown-on-Spey 
Date: Thursday 3rd of May 2007 
Time: 7:30pm 
Venue: Ben Mhor Hotel 
Location: Grantown-on-Spey 
No. Attending: 5 


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: 

• Notifying farmers about the process 

Concern was raised that not all land owners or farmers in the Park had been 
notified about the Interim Draft Core Paths Plan and the current consultation 
period. 

• Altering the route of a core path in the future 

The issue of diverting and re-routing a core path in the future was raised, 
particularly in relation to allowing for new developments. 

• Why make a path a core path? 

There was some discussion as to why an existing path should need to be 
designated as a core path when a right of access already exists. 

• Stock Fences & Gates 

It was noted that there would be a requirement for funding for appropriate 
gates on core paths in areas where they cross stock fences. 

• Responsible Behaviour 

There was some concern over irresponsible behaviour of access takers, 
particularly in relation to those owners who do not keep their dogs under 
control. 

• Path Agreements & Promotion of routes 

There was some discussion on the need for path agreements between the 
National Park Authority and land owners/managers in relation to ensuring that 
routes are established on the ground and signposting and way-marking in place 
prior to routes being promoted in leaflets etc. 

• Funding 

The issue of funding for the core paths network and who would provide it was 
raised. 

• Path No. LBS94 - Curr Wood 

It was noted that Curr Wood is an important habitat for wildlife and as such 
development of new paths needs to be done sensitively and in locations 
appropriate to the management of this sensitive area. 

• Path No. LBS6 - Railway Line 

It was noted that a core path is proposed along the old railway line between 
Dulnain Bridge and Grantown-on-Spey, however, planning permission is in place 
to re-open the railway line along this stretch. Ideas for alternate routes for the 
path were discussed. 

• Path No. LBS3 – Old Railway Line South of Cromdale 

It was noted that the bridge passing over the old railway line is in a state of disrepair 
and that where the proposed core path diverts off the railway line and on 
to a track there is no path or existing access to enable this. 


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 
3rd May 2007 

sandramiddleton@cairngorms.co.uk