Managing access

Guidance For Local Authorities and National Park Authorities 

This gives advice on:

• Outdoor access strategies
• Core paths
• Local access forums

It was issued by the Scottish Ministers on 4th Feb 2005 under section 27 of the Act.

Outdoor Access Strategies

Outdoor access includes all non-motorised outdoor travel, by people of all ages and abilities, using networks of paths, open spaces and linkages in and around cities, villages and rural areas. We use outdoor access strategies as a framework to plan and develop these activities. These strategies recognise that outdoor access issues are relevant to many people and that many partners need to work together. Most local authorities have now developed outdoor access strategies that plan how they will improve facilities for people's outdoor activities.

Key Steps in developing an Outdoor Access Strategy are:

• Audit - the current picture of access, resources, policies
• Key issues - major local priorities
• Stakeholder workshops - get people involved
• Vision - guiding principles
• Action Plan - themes, mechanisms, action areas
• Programme - when actions will occur
• Outcomes - judging results.

Download our Guide to Good Practice  to help you prepare and review your outdoor access strategy.

Core Paths

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, each local authority was required to draw up a 'Core Paths Plan'. Local authorities are in the process of  designating a system of paths sufficient for giving the public reasonable access throughout the area - a 'core paths' network. Core paths will help and encourage people to exercise their access rights and also help to promote the use of routes designed to work harmoniously alongside land management operations. The routes are useful to walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and others, and may also include waterways in establishing a sufficient network. Advice is available in the publication Creating a Path Network    and good practice guide Core Paths Plans  is available from Paths for All.

Local Access Forums

Find out more about local access forums here.