There is a wealth of recreation opportunities available within the National Park but we must make sure that these are well promoted and managed so that these can be enjoyed by as wide a range of people as possible.It’s also important that we respond to changes in demand for recreational facilities and the growing popularity of new activities.
Paths network The National Park Authority and a wide range of partners, including communities, have already invested significantly in improving recreational paths and facilities. This has been guided most recently by the National Park’s Outdoor Recreation Plan and Core Paths Plan.
However, the existing paths network needs to be improved with some additional strategic links being created, improvements to local paths and finding long term solutions to ensure the overall network is maintained and promoted to a high standard.
Horse riding near Drymen
Sensitive environments
The popularity of the Park’s mountains means they are subject to path erosion and need concerted efforts to protect these sensitive environments and to allow positive and safe visitor experiences.
The Park Authority must lead efforts with partners to tackle these issues and build on the achievements already made under the previous plan to ensure that the range of outdoor recreation opportunities are well promoted and managed for all to enjoy.
The priorities for Outcome 5 are outlined below:
Priority 5.1 - Path provision
Improving and extending the National Park’s recreational path network by:
Ensuring that the National Park Core Paths are reviewed and fit for purpose.
Restoring 22 mountain paths and delivering training and volunteering opportunities through the Mountains and The People project (see case study below).
New path from Dalrigh to Tyndrum path, looking towards the Crianlarich hills
Investing in recreational routes in the landscape around Callander through the Callander Landscape Partnership.
Enabling the development of the cross-Scotland Pilgrim’s Way as a national development by connecting the Tyndrum to St Fillans section passing through the National Park.
Developing key active travel linkages between communities.
Developing ways to resource the required investment to maintain high quality path networks (including through visitor and charitable giving), particularly the West Highland Way and other long distance routes and Core Paths in the National Park.
Building on Success - The Mountains and The People project
Volunteers restoring path
The Mountains and The People, is a five year project, launched in 2015, to preserve, improve and restore the unique upland habitats in Scotland’s National Parks as well as creating training and volunteering opportunities.
Promoting greater use of the National Walking and Cycling Network in the national Park for recreation and active travel and promoting better linkages from existing public transport hubs and services.
Listed below are partners who have committed to helping deliver these outcomes (Lead Delivery Partners) and those who could provide further support (Support Delivery Partners).
