What are core paths?

Core paths form a network of paths that should provide the public with reasonable access throughout the Cairngorms National Park. 

Core paths can be local paths that are used for daily journeys and active travel, or paths which allow both residents and visitors to fully explore the National Park, such as the Speyside Way. Other paths exist that are not core paths, such as Rights of Way that cross high mountain passes, core paths can link to these to support a wider network of paths. Core path status does not confer any greater access right to the user, nor create any additional liability for the landowner.

Core paths are varied in type and there is no set physical standard for core paths, they can be a faint line along a field edge to a fully constructed path. The current network consists of 1,047 km (650 miles) of multi-user paths, hill paths, long distance routes, the River Spey, pavements, quiet roads, forest tracks, and paths in towns, villages and the wider countryside. 

A path having core path status brings no additional requirement for the Park Authority to maintain it, however it does provide additional powers to do anything considered appropriate to keep it free from obstruction and core paths generally take priority for signage, maintenance and improvement. The core path network aims to be accessible to the widest possible range of users through being barrier free and signposted.

More about the Core Paths Plan review process