Outdoor Access
Outdoor access is not just about paths and tracks: it is also about the people who use them, as well as those who don't. There are different reasons for managing access to land and water, but usually the aim is to provide a high quality of experience.
Walking-the-Talk can help you to:
Plan access proposals from development of a strategy, bidding for funds to engaging with users
Deliver actions on the ground, from site supervision to developing interpretive materials
Evaluate the impact of your work on people and the environment
We have a range of experience working in different settings from St Kilda to John O'Groats, Peterhead to Arran. We also cover different aspects of Outdoor Access including walking, mountain biking and 'all abilities'. Here are a few examples of projects related to Outdoor Access:
Energetica Corridor Coastal Pathway: we are working for the Energetica Partnership to survey the existing coastal path between Aberdeen and Peterhead, and put together proposals to enhance this route for recreation and active travel.
Paths and Climate Change: we investigated the potential impacts on path design and management in Scotland that could occur as a result of predicted climate change. This included producing guidance to help path managers and funders to understand the implications of climate change on their work.
Arran Paths and Tracks Feasibility Study: we were asked to survey paths across the Isle of Arran and develop proposals for funding development and repair of paths.
John O'Groats Coastal Path: we were asked to investigate a long-standing issue with a section of the coastal path that has been damaged by coastal erosion. We came up with a series of specification options that were then discussed with the landowner and presented to the client (Highlands and Islands Enterprise).
Path Attributes Research: we undertook primary research into the kind of information that people need when deciding whether to use a path - the aim is to provide better, more consistent information that path users can understand easily.
Paths For All - Community Support: we wrote the Community Support Directory and a 'Benefits toolkit' to help community groups to evaluate the social, environmental and economic impacts of their local path networks. These resources are available on the Paths for All website.
Access Planning for the National for Scotland: we undertook an access planning exercise on St Kilda, Burg (on the Isle of Mull), Culzean Castle, Brodick Country Park, Corrieshalloch Gorge and Brodie Castle. We also produced a handbook for the Trust to enable property-based staff to undertake access planning.