The Cairngorms National Park is currently reviewing the walking routes it has designated as 'core paths' and would appreciate input from walkers.
The Cairngorms has the most extensive system of core paths in Scotland and the National Park has been very proactive in getting the network into good condition through a programme of path construction, improvement and signage. Following the extension of the National Park boundary to include the area around Blair Atholl, the Cairngorms is the first access authority in Scotland to review its core paths plan and propose extending it.
Designating routes as 'core paths' is important as it provides additional protection during the planning process if development is proposed on the land, any access problems are more likely to be given priority and dealt with, and these routes are also likely to be prioritised when it comes to funding for path improvement, signage and work to encourage more people to use the path network. Core paths tend to refer to actual routes on the ground, most of them at lower levels although some of the major routes linking through the mountains are included, as is the River Spey in recognition of its use by canoeists and others. Having paths designated as core paths does not detract from the general access rights that walkers have including the right to walk on the high open land of the Cairngorms and the Monadhliath themselves.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is very keen to hear from walkers who may want to comment on the proposals or may have other suggestions for new core paths. The proposals can be viewed online (scroll down to p.106 to see the path maps and proposals) or at various libraries and council offices throughout the park area. The consultation is open until Friday 5 July. More general information about the core path consultation process is available here.