What does the Core Paths Plan review involve?

This review is reaffirming if the current network of core paths is sufficient to facilitate access across the National Park and if there are any significant gaps in the current network. 

The Core Paths Plan was created following extensive consultation with communities, land managers and stakeholders and was adopted in 2010. The plan was reviewed in 2015, and while we generally consider the current plan is fit for purpose, it is timely to review it again now and consider if the core path network is still sufficient in light of any changes over the last decade. 

Any realignments should still serve the same objective eg lead to the same destination and should offer the same merits in terms of user experience. For us to consider removing core path status this must be in the public’s best interest.

• A core path does not have to satisfy any particular standard to be considered during the review beyond not presenting a significant risk to users ie a busy road.
• Core path designation does not necessarily mean a path would be upgraded or maintained by the Park Authority.
• Where there is no recognisable path on the ground, consideration will have to be given to how deliverable a potential new path is.