Core Paths Network

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, first introduced in 2003, established statutory public rights of responsible access to land and inland waters (NatureScot, 2023). The Scottish Outdoor Access Code interprets this act, providing guidance on the obligations of boths users and land managers for responsible access (Outdoor Access Scotland, 2024).

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, various new duties were placed upon local authories including creation of a Core Paths Plan. The aim of Core Paths is to provide a well maintained and sign-posted path network which gives reasonable access to the public whilst minimising conflict with other land uses. 

Core Paths cater for all abilities and types of users, for example walkers and dog-walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, canoeists. Not all paths are suitable for all users but paths are provided for each activity - meaning that access to the coast is enhanced by Core Paths.

Each local authority has their own Core Paths Plan and as the East Grampian Coast runs from Fraserburgh to St Cyrus, the State of the Coast report considers Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Core Paths (fig. 1-4) (Aberdeen City, n.d.; Aberdeenshire Council, n.d.)