Core Path Report for New Path 020 - Forest Lodge, Black Mount (OLI)

1. Proposed Core Path

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2. Summary of Representations Received Representation Respondent Organisation/ Objection Respondents Respondent Objection Name Group Summery proposed Ref No. withdrawn action Objection Michael Core Paths Include P107 McManus Plan this path insufficient as a core path

3. History of Access i. Right of Way Status: Claimed Right of Way SA:003, may once have been the main road before it was replaced by the modern A82 and also a section of the West Highland Way. ii. Recorded Access Issues: None

4. Site Visit

Start of the path at Forest Lodge Scottish Rights of Way Society sign

One of a number of bridges designed by Thomas Telford according to an interpretive sign at forest Lodge

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The final section of path leading to the boundary with Highland Council.

5. Alternative Route/s None Identified

6. Consultation with Objectors & Other Interested Parties The objection is to the failure to propose designating this section of the West highland Way in the Core Paths Plan

7. Access Officer’s Initial Comments After consulting with other Access Authorities responsible for managing the West Highland Way the majority of the route south of this point including all of that in and Bute has been designated as a Core Path. The section of the West Highland Way north of here in Highland Council has not been designated as a Core Path because it did not satisfy the criteria set for a Core Path.

Argyll & Bute Council took the decision not to designate this part of the West Highland Way because the next section in Highland Council’s area had not been designated and it was felt to be a more rational decision to end the path at Victoria Bridge where two Core Paths meet.

There are arguments both in favour and against the designation of a recognised long distance route as a Core Path.

In favour of designation of the West Highland Way as a Core Path;

The local authority already has an access agreement with the land owners The local authority has a legal duty to maintain the path It is already promoted and is highlighted on the Ordinance Survey Map at 1:50,000 – 1:25,000 and is in numerous guidebooks, websites etc. 33,000 people a year walk the path. It provides a link between the two local authority areas and between the communities along the route including Bridge of Orchy and Kingshouse. The path is a good standard, vehicular track and could be used by cyclists, walkers and horse riders and by a wide range of users of all abilities limited only by the gradient.

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Arguments against designation

The local authority already has an access agreement with the land owners The local authority already has a legal duty to maintain the path which it does not have for a Core Path It is already promoted and is highlighted on the Ordinance Survey Map at 1:50,000 – 1:25,000 and is in numerous guidebooks, websites etc. Because of these factors it does not need to be designated to protect public access along the route

There is a suggestion that because the West Highland Way is a long distance path designated under powers given to the Council by the Countryside Act 1967 it may have a higher level of protection than a Core Path for instance the Council has a legal duty to maintain the path.

In this particular instance I will consult the land owner before seeking the advice of the Access Forum. I am not convinced that there is any benefit arising from the designation of this section of the West Highland Way as a Core Path, however if there is no objection from the land owner I do not see any problem with doing so.

8. Advice received from the Access Forum

9. Access Officer’s Final Recommendations

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10. Appendices

Appendix I. Copies of the representations received during the formal consultation

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Appendix II. Copies of relevant correspondence

Appendix III. Copies of responses additional consultations

Appendix IV. Additional supporting documents

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