Scottish Borders Core Path Plan

On the 8^th December 2009 the Scottish Borders Core Path was adopted by the Executive Committee, subject to compliance with Scottish Government recommendations (external website).  The Reporter’s Unit recommended seven amendments which should be included within the Plan.

 

This means that the Scottish Borders now has a  network of adopted core paths (link to pdf maps) which provide reasonable access throughout the area for all types of user and abilities (e.g. walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and canoeists).  It is the whole core path network which provides access for all types of user; therefore every individual core path cannot necessarily accommodate all types of user.  Every core path will also be different; some are made up from rough ground through to a high specification construction.  There are also access points to water courses.

The network of core paths is an important asset for the Scottish Borders as it provides many social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities and visitors coming to the area.  The Core Paths Plan aims to deliver benefits for quality of life; healthy, active lifestyles; economic development; the environment and social inclusion.

 

Background to Core Paths

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, all Local Authorities and National Park authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to prepare a Core Paths Plan that will provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. The basic framework of routes will link into, and support, wider networks of other paths.

The Core Paths Plan was developed over several years of informal and formal public consultations.

 

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been undertaken to identify any impact - positive or negative - that the Core Paths Plan might have on the natural or historic environment.

 

The following pages form part of the Scottish Borders Final Core Paths Plan.  A downloadable Final Core Path Plan will be available soon. 

 

Frequently  Asked Questions

What are core paths?

Can communities get involved with local pathways including core paths?