The Scottish Government

Priority

Code

Public Access Priorities

Relevant Packages

D+G25

Improved public access provision through the creation, improvement and promotion of paths and other facilities,* with priority given to proposals that:

(*other facilities refers to bridges, toilets, car parking, dog walking areas, launch sites with changing areas, informal campsites, etc.)

D+G25a

a. An increase in quality and provision of routes in and around communities (particularly where health and community need is greatest). Particularly proposals that:

• interpret, promote and raise awareness of modern farming and forestry practices to access takers and the wider community, create, increase or enhance path networks in and around communities that provide access opportunities for all ages and abilities
• are multi-use or enhance existing paths to allow multi-use
• provide increased access opportunities in areas where there are Paths to Health Projects
• support for community groups or initiatives that take on the maintenance of routes in and around their community.

D+G25b

b. An increase in quality and provision of routes between communities. Particularly proposal that:

• contribute to the establishment of routes identified in Dumfries and Galloway Core Path Plans or other strategic policies or plans such as the access strategy, transport strategy or Area Community Plans will be given priority.

D+G25c

c. An increase in quality and provision of routes to, through and along places of interest, e.g. coasts, woodlands, inland water, uplands, viewpoints, river corridors, historical sites. Particularly proposals that:

• improve access to, and interpretation of, visitor facilities or attractions eg coastal viewpoints, prioritised within Area Community Plans or the D&G Access Strategy
• secure more sustainable ways of managing and developing long-distance paths such as the Southern Upland Way (where it comes within Dumfries and Galloway)
• market and raise awareness of the opportunities to access places of interest.

D+G25d

d. Improvements in integration between access and land management. Particularly proposals that:

• demonstrate integration of access into farming systems by best practice in path design and access management
• demonstrate best practice in partnership working between access providers, access takers and communities.

D+G25e

e. Improvements in facilities for specific user groups including all abilities. Particularly proposals that:

• increase off road horse access routs that link to areas where there are high concentrations of horses or would allow developments in horse tourism to take place
• increase off road cycling routes in the wider countryside that build upon existing facilities provision or centres such as 7 Stanes that allows different tourist markets to be developed
• upgrade existing facilities and access routes to all ability standards with the support and guidance from the Dumfries and Galloway Access Panel
• support the Paths to Health Programme.

D+G25f

f. Improving users' and land managers understanding of outdoor access and land management issues in the context of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code through provision of interpretation, signage, leaflets, presentations, workshops and site visits. Particularly proposals that:

• support signage, interpretation or orientation materials and best practice sharing associated with access provision developed through action under a-g to enhance community and visitor experience with preference given to NSAs, RSAs where access pressures are more evident.

D+G25g

g. Assistance with the suitable implementation and monitoring of core paths and routes identified in core paths plans. Particularly proposals that:

• contribute to the establishment of routes identified in Dumfries and Galloway survey and monitor projects that increase the understanding of the use, the benefits financially and health wise, the cost of maintaining, conflicts and management issues that result from the implementation of the core path network.