After getting the go-ahead from the Scottish government, The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is to move forward with its Core Paths Plan.

In total, 1,197 people were involved in the plan's three consultative phases, it being designed to attract more people into the outdoors and help land managers to manage access across land and water. The plan highlights an overall path network of new and existing tracks, roads, pavements and water courses in the park totalling around 932km (579 miles). In a first for Scotland, the Cairngorms Core Paths Plan has designated the surface of the River Spey within the park as a core path. It is hoped that this will result in a better managed river catering more effectively for the needs of the diverse range of users who enjoy it.

David Green, convener of the CNPA said: "Now that the Core Paths Plan has been approved, the development of a more integrated network of paths for a wider range of people and abilities to enjoy the special qualities of the Cairngorms National Park can be taken forward. "Once completed, the work will allow users to move around and enjoy the park more easily while minimising conflict with farmers, foresters and estates who manage the land."

Picture courtesy of Stewart Grant / CNPA