Core Path Report for C117 Craignish Point, Ardfern
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Representation Respondent Organisation/ Objection Respondents Respondent Objection Name Group Summery proposed Ref No. withdrawn action Objection Malcolm A Tenant Livestock / Delete P174 Campbell Farmer of Farming Aird farm Operations / and Ferry Wildlife & Croft Conservation / Condition / No Path
3. History of Access i. Right of Way Status: None
ii. Recorded Access Issues: 1- Status: Resolved Problem: A fence line was blocking easy access from the car park. The main purpose of the fence is not to obstruct access.
4. Site Visit
Section of fence close to car park. The Trod earth path demonstrating the Fence has been damaged due to high level of use Usage with no provision of gate
Trod earth path continues towards Some sections of the path are wet and boggy Craignish Point
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5. Alternative Route/s An alternative route to a view point has been suggested by the tenant farmer; this alternative is shown below
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Path passes through stone dyke This point is at the Cist marked on the above map. The alternative route heads to the right of the picture, the original route heads to the left
At one point the route is quite narrow, and close to the edge of the sea cliff
Some section of route were quite muddy
Looking back towards car park.
Rather narrow section looking towards the point There are various trod earth desire lines leading from the car park to Craignish Point. Mr Campbell, the tenant farmer, has stated that the route originally shown was the line of an old drain that he had installed and the correct route of the path was along the sea cliffs above the raised beach.
The route along the sea cliffs offers good views of dramatic seascapes and coastal features. Although the route can be narrow and muddy in places this is not uncommon on coastal paths and is not excessive on this path
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6. Consultation with Objectors & Other Interested Parties The Path is not in correct position the path shown follows a ditch,
The path crosses a march fence that has no gate or stile.
The area that the route crosses is one of the most important sites for marsh fritillary butterfly in Scotland
7. Access Officer’s Initial Comments The objector suggests that because the path has not been recorded on a map it should not be designated as a Core Path. The path is visible on the ground and would appear to be a popular and well used route that has a car park at the start. Presently people have to climb a fence to follow the route which is not ideal both in terms of ease of access as well as for land management reasons as the fence line that is shown in the picture above is damaged. This damage is probably as a result of a high number of people having to climb over the fence rather than as a malicious act. Ideally a gate should be installed however the tenant farmer does not want a gate or stile installed in the fence line.
A number of local websites for holiday cottages and other local business recommend this walk for visitors. Discussion with at least one local resident suggests that there is likely to be support for the designation of this path within the local community. If support is forthcoming the Council will reconsider whether the path should be designated or not. Since the Access Team are currently proposing to remove this path from the plan there is no need to meet. However if the position changes we will arrange a meeting with the landowner. It would also be necessary to consult Scottish Natural Heritage and Butterfly Conservation Scotland for their advice on the designation of a Core Path in this area in view of its importance for Marsh Fritillary a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species which has suffered severe decline nationally and is present in nationally important densities on the moorland across which C117 passes.
The designation of this route as a Core Path may open up an opportunity in the future to secure funding to provide a gate, way marking to encourage people to follow a single route to the point, thus allowing the land owner to manage the impacts of public access better. It might also allow people to see the Marsh Fritillary and interpretation to be provided if this is felt to be desirable.
Public Access to this area is likely to continue to be important since it is possible to view the Dorus Mhor a tidal race where the Comet an early paddle steamer sank in 1820. Although this would appear to be a popular route the Council has not received any support for its designation as a Core Path during the last consultation as a result of this we are proposing it for deletion at present.
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8. Advice received from the Access Forum Argyll and Bute Council Core Path Plan Finalised Draft 2012 Minute of Discussions by the Access Forum Path Number: C117 Path Name: Craignish Point, Ardfern Forum Members Present x John Urquhart (Chair) x Dave Tomlinson x John Cameron Little x Duncan McDonald x Neil Duncan x Tim Lister x Mike McManus x Malcolm Holder x Blair Fletcher
Declarations of Interest x None
Members Familiar with the Location x Blair Fletcher x Duncan McDonald x Dave Tomlinson x Tim Lister
Discussions x Wildlife and nature conservation x Current use x Damage to fence x Health and safety x Community Interest x SNH’ comments
Access Forum Advice to Argyll and Bute Council Support Officer’s Recommendation (in Section 7) Object to Officer’s Recommendation (in Section 7) Mixed opinion amongst Access Forum members (record all views below)
Majority View Majority felt route should be core path - but recommend that improved signage required to address health and safety concerns and to reduce the potential for damage to marsh fritillary habitat
Minority View Path should be recorded as aspirational
9. Access Officer’s Final Recommendations Recommend designation of this path, a survey ofalong the routeline identified by Mr Campbell the tenant farmer has been undertaken and is shown in section 5 above. This will help establish where way markers should be placed if the Reporter directs the inclusion of this path in the Core Paths Plan. Page 7 of 21
Appendices
Appendix I. Copies of the representations received during the formal consultation
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Appendix II. Copies of relevant correspondence None Page 14 of 21
Appendix III. Copies of responses additional consultations
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Dear Mr Campbell
Regarding you email which I received today.
I will ensure that the statement you have made below and the pages from the Craignish Local Plan are copied into the report on the Objections to C117 Craignish Point and are available for members of the Access Forum and the Scottish Government’s Reporter to read.
Your Name: Malcolm Campbell Your email address: [email protected] What would you like to contact us about? C117 Path Message: At the recent Craignish Community Council meeting on 06/06/2012, the proposed core to Craignish Point was discussed. As a member of the council I declared an interest and left the room. I understand that a decision was made to send a letter of community support.
I am surprised at this decision as it contradicts the finding of the survey carried in Dec 2010 for the local community plan which was adopted by the community council and approved by Argyll & Bute Council on 08/03/2012.
Please attach a copy of the two relevant pages from the plan. x Page 10: Summary of results, section analysis and conclusions section. x Page 51: Questionnaire results and analysis. I would suggest the 15% of the 148 who answered the questionnaire in favour access paths does not show sufficient support for the community council to write a letter of support, as it is clear that they represent a small minority of the community.
I would like to make it clear that I was a member of the steering group which produced the Craignish Community Plan.
Malcolm Campbell. 1991 Act Tenant of Aird Farm and Ferry Croft.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me again.
Yours sincerely,Jolyon Gritten
Access Manager Development & Infrastructure Services Argyll & Bute Council Manse Brae Offices Lochgilphead ARGYLL PA31 8RT
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Page 10 from the Craignish Community Plan
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Page 51 from the Craignish Community Plan
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