It has been 15 years since Scotland last hosted a major conference for the Upland Footpath Industry and a lot has happened since then; the creation of two National Parks, the passing of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and a considerable increase in the recreational use of the mountains. The issue of controlling erosion whilst preserving the nature of wild places is an ever greater challenge. The last 5 years have seen several significant upland path projects in Scotland not least the Cairngorms Mountain Heritage Project run by COAT. This four year, £2.1m, project undertook to improve and repair 16 footpaths in the National Park’s mountains, totalling 94.26kms or just over 58 miles.

CONFERENCE AIMS

The conference will aim to present a critical assessment of the various aspects of delivering path projects in Scotland. Looking at technical innovation, human resources, training and volunteer schemes and finance. The conference will allow an exchange of knowledge and ideas from a wide range of participants through presentations, open floor discussion and site visits.

The conference aims to bring together all who are involved in looking after upland paths: stakeholders, path managers, policy makers, funding practicioners, contractors and volunteer coordinators.

For more information visit http://www.cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk/upland-path-conference-2014/