1. Paths around the water
10:00
Geoff Atkins, November 2007

2. Part of our heritage For hunting For visiting For burial
For crossing water
For working
For communicating
For celebrating

3. Where do people go now? Leisure day visits over a year (2002/3)
85% to town or city (90%)
61% to countryside (60%)
52% to seaside and coast (49%)
36% to woods and forests (34%)
29% to water with boats (28%)
24% to water without boats (17%)
Great Britain Day Visits Survey

4. Current trends in recreation
SNH target to improve public enjoyment of the countryside – by increased numbers
Scottish recreation survey – 10 year programme
Around 1,000 adults interviewed each month
Upward trend since 2003
More going on close to where people live
Less use of car?

5. Rights to roam
Access rights to land, inland water (non-tidal) and the coast
to cross
for recreation and education
For non-motorised craft
Common law rights to sea, shore and inland waters
to fish
to navigate (including embarking and disembarking)
for recreation

6. Core paths - statutory basis
Duty of local authority to draw up plan for a system of paths.
… authorities shall have regard to,
Likelihood that people will use core paths
Encouragement for people to use core paths
Achieve balance with the interests of land owners
Sufficient - “for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”

7. Core paths - statutory basis
Sections 17 – 20 of the Act
S17 - Preparatory process, informal consultations
S18 - Formal consultation > adoption
S19 - Powers to run system
S20 - Review and update of system in future
and…Scottish Executive Guidance

8. What are ‘Core Paths’ ?
General access off-path (across land, fields, hills and woods etc.)
Wider path networks (all paths and tracks)
Core paths (the basic framework of paths)

9. What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Characteristics: Signposted clearly - promoted
Generally barrier-free
Aim for multi-use
Surfaces reflect level and type of use
Close to where people live
Can be used by visitors and tourists

10. Transport connections
What are ‘Core Paths’ ?
Transport connections
Across the water -
Ports
Ferries
Slipways
Regional transport partnerships
SPT
Hitrans
Around the water -
Railways
Roads
Paths

11. What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Other Factors - Assist with land management
Resources and sustainability
….’people’s choice’ – but how good is the consultation?
Expectations raised
Authorities have powers not duties

12. What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Links through urban areas Access to water
Decisions…decisions…
Links through urban areas
Access to water
Routes requiring development
Use of roads
On road cycle networks
What is sufficient?
Which paths can you use?

13. Process Informal consultations are ongoing (2 stages recommended)
Draft plans should be ready by February 2008
Formal consultation = 12 weeks – LAF, SNH, people affected and ‘others’
Adoption process (possible PI)
Plan comprises maps, list of core paths, supporting text….
Refer to Core Paths Plans - guide to good practice

14. Across the country 32 local authorities; 2 National Park authorities
Unique planning activity
Different starting points
8 authorities around the Firth of Clyde
4 have published their interim draft; 2 are very close
Some authorities will not meet key date

15. Example: North Ayrshire
Plans of routes collected through the consultation
Key plan
Selected core paths (proposed)
Some text to explain the process and the type of paths
Form for responses

16. How do you choose? Apply a method – criteria and weighting
Opportunities for people to walk or cycle for journeys to school, work, community facilities or between settlements
Opportunities for people of all ages and abilities
Provide equitably for the requirements of different user groups
Maximise the potential for access to the coast and hills
Links to existing networks, local communities and wider networks
Long distance opportunities and assist in developing North Ayrshire as a quality destination for outdoor access
Safeguard and enhance the natural, built and cultural heritage

17. Example: North Ayrshire
Interim draft Plan out for consultation – reply by 23 November
Assess issues and report back to Local Access Forum
Update sessions with Council staff and Arran groups
Revise draft CPP and get planning committee to ratify early in New Year
Start formal consultation early in 2008 – 12 weeks

18. Example: Inverclyde
Draft plan out for informal consultation – closing date December

19. SNH role Supporting the process Helping Government monitor progress
Consultee on draft Plans
“Sufficiency” of the proposed plan
Potential effects on the natural heritage
Opportunities to enhance biodiversity
Consultee on Strategic Environmental Assessment

20. Benefits of path networks
Physical health
Mental health
Access for all
Tourism
Local enterprise
Local economy
Active travel
Enjoyment of the natural heritage

21. Leisure day visits within Scotland
81 million visits to the countryside
42 million visits to the seaside and coast
Value - £1 billion
Spend per trip - £13.60 (all leisure day visits)
Tourism trips about 21% of total
Spend per trip - £ (tourism day visits)
Great Britain Day Visits Survey

22. Opportunities Local authority duties and powers Signing and promotion
Community action
Core paths and development
Local businesses
Land management
Funding
The wider network

23. Know the Code before you go
Respect the interests of other people
Care for the environment
Take responsibility for your own actions