Core Paths Plan

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 came into effect in February 2005. The Act establishes a statutory right of non-motorised access to most land and in-land water in Scotland. The Act allows for walking, cycling, horse-riding and all other forms of non-motorised access, provided these rights are exercised responsibly. The Act also requires land managers to recognise access rights and to manage their land and water responsibly in relation to these rights. Although the Act establishes a right of responsible access to most land, it is generally recognised that most people prefer to use paths.

For more information on the Act and the supporting Scottish Outdoor Access Code please visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

The Act also places a number of new statutory duties on Local Authorities, including the development of a Core Paths Plan which will provide the basic framework of path routes ‘‘sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”.  The drawing up of a plan for a system of core paths is a statutory duty under Section 17 of the Act.

East Renfrewshire Council is currently in the process of preparing its Core Paths Plan. The preparation process involves a number of different stages. The full process for preparing and adopting the East Renfrewshire Core Paths Plan is illustrated on the attached (timeline).

East Renfrewshire Council is expecting to adopt its Core Paths Plan in April 2009 following completion of the informal and formal consultation stages. Paths included in the adopted Core Paths Plan will immediately become core paths. The Council has a statutory duty to ensure that core paths are accessible, sign posted and promoted within the first two years following adoption of the Core Paths Plan.

For more information on the developing East Renfrewshire Core Paths Plan please write, phone or email the Council’s Outdoor Access Officer using the following contact details:

Jim Williamson
Outdoor Access Officer
Roads Planning and Transportation
East Renfrewshire Council
2 Spiersbridge Way
Spiersbridge Business Park
Thornliebank
East Renfrewshire
G46 8NG

Tel: 0141 577 3882

Email: