Scottish Borders is the sixth largest local authority area and has the third lowest population density in Scotland[1].

From undulating hills and moorland in the west, through gentle valleys to the low lying agricultural areas of the east, and on to the rocky Berwickshire coastline, this open land and most of the paths and tracks that cross it are open for everyone to access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act2003[2].

As part of its new duties and powers under the 2003 Act Scottish Borders Council is developing a basic framework of paths available for recreation and everyday journeys by local people and visitors, to be known as a Core Paths Plan.

Once identified and agreed, this basic network of routes will provide reasonable opportunities for everyone to access the Scottish Borders area responsibly, linking and supporting other routes and the wider open countryside. This Scottish Borders Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan identifies the proposed network and invites your views.

The following pages form part of the Scottish Borders Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan or you can view a Draft Core Path Plan pdf version.

 

Although the Act allows a general right of responsible access, the majority of people prefer to use defined paths. This is where core paths come in.

 

Access Management

How you helped develop this Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Core Paths Detailed Maps

Core Path Plan

 

We are holding Core Path Drop-in Meetings across the region where you can find out more. 

You can comment on this Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan here.