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Core Path Report for C488

Dunloskin Wood, Dunoon

1. Proposed Core Path

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2. Summary of Representations Received Representation Respondent

Name Organisation/ Group

Objection Summery

Respondents proposed action

Respondent Ref No.

Objection withdrawn

Objection S. B. Tong UPM Tilhill Health & Safety / Condition / Alternative Route Available

Delete P018/2

Objection C R Chisholm

Health & Safety / Condition / Alternative Route Available

Delete P058

3. History of Access

i. Right of Way Status: none

ii. Recorded Access Issues: none

4. Site Visit

Photographs of the path and surroundings with comments

Junction with C211

Looking South along C488

C488 heading North

C325 from Ardnadam crosses C488

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Heading East towards Main Road

C488 at Heronlea Entrance

Heading East towards Main Road

End of C488 and Heronlea driveway

5. Alternative Route/s

none

6. Consultation with Objectors & Other Interested Parties

This is a Timber Haul route that does not have adequate parking at entrance. The proposal also

passes too close to private house Heronlea. There is adequate access provision into the

woodland from the Ardnadam Heritage trail this also has a dedicated car park.

The route is a Timber Haul Route, if it was prompted as a core path this would direct members

of the public into the path of heavy timber vehicles.

7. Access Officer’s Initial Comments

Propose to show the core path link between C211(a) in the south and C325 in north and delete

the section of C488 that runs between C325 and C225, this is the section of the proposal that

passes the property Heronlea at a distance of 200 metres.

If this link is removed the connectivity of the proposed network at this location will be severely

affected with core path C325 terminating on the forestry road. In all likelihood the forestry road

will be used as a continuation of the proposed core paths adjoining it. As a result if a preferred

route is not promoted there is the possibility that people may use the section of track that

passes Heronlea. Promoting a route that does not pass Heronlea will help to guide people away

from the house and therefore reduce the possibility of people using the track that does pass the

house.

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Forest Roads: Access rights need to be exercised responsibly regardless of whether on a core

path or other land, a key aspect of responsible access is to respect the interests of other

people. Users of core paths are required to show due care and respect for all other users of the

route and in this case this will include both non-motorised access takers as well as drivers of

authorised vehicles. Signage could be used to raise awareness that the route is part of a

Timber Haul Route and that there is a greater chance a vehicle may be encountered on this

route.

A lot of forest roads are popular for recreational activities and drivers of vehicles on any forest

road, regardless of whether it is a core path or not should be aware of the potential for

encountering recreational users on the forest road. By designating the route as a core path

vehicle drivers will be more alert to this possibility. As stated above if this proposal is removed

it will result in core path C325 terminating on the forestry road. In all likelihood the forestry road

will be used as a continuation of the proposed core paths adjoining it.

Car parking provision is not a requirement for a core path, and there is no evidence to

substantiate a claim that core paths will create a car parking problem.

Section in black proposed

for deletion

Section of C488 seeking to retain as

this links with C325 and C211(a)

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8. Advice received from the Access Forum

9. Access Officer’s Final Recommendations

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