ESTABLISHING AND PROMOTING A NETWORK OF LONGER DISTANCE ROUTES IN SCOTLAND – PROJECT PROPOSALS This paper sets out SNH proposals for establishing and promoting a network of longer distance routes in Scotland. It is informed by SNH research and policy development, together with discussion and feedback from key stakeholders. Our proposals cover Definition, vision, aims and outcomes of a network of longer distance routes Initial listing of longer distance routes in the branded network Strengthening and enhancing the longer distance route network Developing collective branding and marketing to promote the network of longer distance routes in Scotland Developing new partnership working arrangements Introduction 1. SNH’s vision, as set out in Enjoying the Outdoors (2007), is to improve opportunities for participation in outdoor recreation for the social, health and economic benefit of Scotland’s people. Paths and Places (parks and nature reserves) are key mechanisms that encourage access to and enjoyment of Scotland’s outdoors. Paths – linking people, places and nature (2010) recognises the contribution made by the range of paths in Scotland, with local path networks supporting everyday needs for outdoor recreation and active travel, long distance routes providing opportunities for more extended journeys and healthy activity holidays, and upland paths providing sustainable access to our finest mountain landscapes. Definition, vision, aims and outcomes of a network of longer distance routes (LDRs) 2. We want to modernise our approach to long distance routes and embrace the wider family of routes suitable for multi-use journeys. Consequently, we’ve set out what we mean by a network of longer distance routes, the aims of establishing this network and what we hope it will achieve. These statements position longer distance routes in terms of other access provision, recognise the wide range of benefits they provide and reflect the Scottish identity of the product we offer. Definition 3. We propose the following definitions, to cover both user and managerial perspectives: Scotland’s network of longer distance routes consists of nationally and regionally promoted trails for journeys by foot, bike, horse or canoe. These routes provide opportunities for all to discover and enjoy the best of Scotland’s nature and landscapes and to experience its history and diverse cultural heritage. ( outward-facing, customer-focused definition ) 4. The LDR network is a national resource for tourism, recreation and active travel that integrates with and complements the National Cycle Network (NCN) and other path provision. It provides economic, health and social benefits for the local communities that it passes through. Routes have been developed in consultation with stakeholders and are endorsed by the access authority. ( inward-focused, management-focused definition ) Vision 5. We propose the following vision: Scotland’s network of longer distance routes is a nationally and internationally recognised product that provides high quality experiences for a wide range of users to undertake multi-day journeys and day trips on well managed trails throughout the country. Aims 6. While each route has its own character and will be promoted individually, our customer- orientated objectives for establishing a network of longer distance routes are to • provide a strong collective identity through unified promotion by means of a single information portal and over-arching brand • provide easily accessible and co-ordinated information to raise awareness of opportunities and inform route selection for users • promote any connecting routes in order to provide additional opportunities • generate public interest in other routes and recreational opportunities available in Scotland e.g. NCN, heritage paths. 7. In addition, our management-orientated objectives are to • encourage route and land managers, businesses and communities to improve user experiences including infrastructure, information, facilities and services • provide a holistic approach to developing better understanding of existing and target market segments for LDRs and the scope for new routes • identify gaps in provision, and prioritise action to fill these and further develop the network in a sustainable manner to meet user demand • promote joint working to maintain and strengthen the network through seeking political and financial support. Outcomes 8. Our goal is that Scotland’s network of longer distance routes will provide an important recreational resource which will • appeal to a wider range of people, from families to the active elderly and from solo enthusiasts to groups of friends enjoying some time together • be used by more people living in Scotland – for a local journey of discovery, a route to challenge themselves or a ‘travel at their own pace’ holiday • be used by more visitors to Scotland, with a good choice of routes to suit their preferences in terms of length, location, activity, facilities and services, and encourage return visits to Scotland • generate increased economic benefits for businesses and communities in Scotland, thereby helping to sustain fragile rural communities • promote sustainable lifestyles and travel. Initial listing of longer distance routes in branded network 9. For a longer distance route to be included in the branded network it should • be a continuous, clearly identifiable and appropriately waymarked route between defined start and end points (or defined access points in the case of circular routes) • be largely off-road (generally no more than 20-30% should be on roads) • be at least 40 km/ 25 miles and have potential for multi-day journeys by foot, bike and/or horse, or canoe • offer at least a basic range of visitor services, with information on the route, facilities and services available for users in appropriate formats • offer opportunities to appreciate the natural, cultural and historic interest of the area through which it passes • be designed, maintained and managed with user experience as a key consideration. 10. Against an audit of 41 longer distance routes identified in our commissioned research, we propose that 20 routes fit the definition sufficiently to be included in the branded network now. In our judgement, the other routes currently fail to meet one or more defining aspects of a longer distance route, often because they are still under development. We expect many of these routes will be included in the branded network once the required action has been undertaken (e.g. route development completed). Three routes (Ardgartan Peninsular Circuit, Greenock Cut & Kelly’s Cut and Clyde & Loch Lomond Cycleway) are less than 40km, so have been included as link routes. One route (King’s Highway) is a proposed route, so has been included as a strategic missing link instead. 11. The proposed categorisation needs to be verified by route managing organisations and/or access authorities. For example, issues were raised regarding the condition and maintenance of a couple of routes that were proposed for inclusion in the branded network. 12. Initial list of longer distance routes in the branded network Annandale Way Ayrshire Coastal Path Borders Abbeys Way Cateran Trail Clyde Walkway Dava Way Fife Coastal Path Formartine & Buchan Way Forth-Clyde/Union Canal Towpath Great Glen Way John Muir Way Kintyre Way Moray Coastal Trail River Ayr Way Speyside Way Southern Upland Way St Cuthbert’s Way (cross-border) Three Lochs Way West Highland Way West Island Way 13. Longer distance routes requiring further action before inclusion in the branded network Longer distance route Criteria don’t currently Action required for inclusion meet in branded network Aberdeenshire Coastal Path Not continuous Fill gaps Carrick Way Not clearly identifiable, Complete route development not waymarked, and provide information for no information users Clyde to Forth Cycle Route Variable quality of some Complete route improvements sections Coalfield Cycle Route Not clearly identifiable, Complete route development not waymarked, and provide information for no information users Cowal Way Not maintained to Undertake route improvements standard suitable for most users Deeside Way Not continuous Develop Banchory-Aboyne section Dundee Green Circular Not multi-day route Consider how to integrate with other nearby routes Gordon Way Not multi-day route Complete route development to Huntly/Inverurie Great Glen Canoe Trail Limited visitor services Complete infrastructure development Isle of Arran Coastal Way Not waymarked as ACW Complete waymarking along length? Significant proportion on Consider opportunities to road increase off-road provision Oban - Ballachullish Cycle Not continuous Complete route development Route Rob Roy Way Not waymarked as RRW Complete waymarking along length? Round the Forth Cycle Significant proportion on- Complete route improvements, Route road (53%), variable including increasing off-road quality of some sections provision South of Scotland No defined start and end Identify one (or more) linear or Countryside Trails point circular routes to promote as a longer distance route Trail of the 7 Lochs Currently limited visitor Provide information on facilities services and services for users Weavers Trail Not clearly identifiable, Complete route development not waymarked, and provide information for no information users 14. Other routes that might also be included in the branded network if they meet the minimum criteria once developed include Perth – Lochearnhead (proposed NCN