Access Management
Outdoor access in Scottish Borders has been developed over many years, although this process has been accelerated as a result of the 2003 Act. Scottish Borders Council and its predecessor authorities have, in partnership with other public bodies, managed and improved many claimed rights of way, upheld public access rights to these routes, removed obstructions, installed gates and bridges and managed vegetation to increase the accessibility of these routes for all abilities.
As a partner in Scottish Border Paths[1] we have developed a high quality access network for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders for all ages and abilities, based on clear local community and visitor needs and aspirations, together reflecting clear economic, social and environmental benefits. The development of these routes includes networks of local paths around larger settlements as well as longer trails which link settlements and in some cases cross boundaries into England or neighbouring Scottish authority areas.
Borders
Today Scottish Borders Council upholds outdoor access rights in the open countryside, on rights of way and on other informal routes. We also manage and promote a formal multi-use path network that includes over 1000km of local paths and longer distance routes, such as the Southern Upland Way, John Buchan Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, Borders Abbeys Way, Hawick Riding Route, Tweed Cycleway and 4 Abbeys Cycle Route.
Equally there are others who develop and manage access opportunities throughout the area, such as Forestry Commission Scotland,
charities such as National Trust for Scotland, local community based groups, estates, and individual farmers. Together we
provide a wide range of outdoor access opportunities for open-air recreation and education throughout Scottish Borders. How you helped develop this current Consultative Draft Core Paths Plan?
View the Proposed Core Path Plan including Maps.
[1] Scottish Border Paths, founded as Scottish Border Walks in 1994, was a partnership of Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Enterprise Borders, Scottish Natural Heritage and Visit Scotland (Borders) with the shared objective of developing and promoting outdoor access routes in the Scottish Borders. This Project ended in December 2007.
Unified Solutions.