Core Paths
A Core Paths Plan for Orkney
Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, Orkney Islands Council had a duty to prepare a Core Paths Plan. The purpose of the plan is to identify a system of key routes for outdoor access in Orkney.
The Core Paths Plan for Orkney was developed through extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders including local communities, access user groups, local organisations and agencies, land managers and visitors to our islands.
The Orkney Core Paths Plan was reviewed and amended in 2018.
You can view the Core Paths Plan on our interactive map by selecting the link in the ‘Related Sites’ section.
Rolling path closures – please be aware that sections of core paths WM31 (at Warbeth), WM26 (Outertown Road), WM29 (at Sandy Hill), WM29/30 (at road junction west of Brinkies Brae summit), WM6 (west of Fea) and WM27 (Quarrybanks Track) will be closed during construction works of the Nexan Cable from Stromness to Finstown. Signs will be posted at the locations as the works progress.
Who can I contact about core paths?
If you have any questions about the Core Paths Plan or want to report an access issue, please contact Erica Niven (Rural planner) in the Development and Marine Planning section at erica.niven@orkney.gov.uk or by calling 01856873535 extension 2541.
If you want to report maintenance issues on core paths, please contact Ian Wilkins (Roads Services Technician for Asset Management and Countryside Access) at ian.wilkins@orkney.gov.uk or on 01856873535 extension 2324.
Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires that a Strategic Environmental Assessment, or SEA, is carried out to assess the effects that the Core Paths Plan could have on the environment.
An Environmental Report was produced to accompany the draft Core Paths Plan. The SEA process ensured that environmental considerations were fully taken into account. This document is available from the 'Related Downloads' section.
