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Core paths
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.
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) and WM27 (Quarrybanks Track) will be closed until the end of October 2026. This is due to construction works for the Nexan Cable from Stromness to Finstown. Signs will be posted at these locations.
Temporary path closure: The start of WM9, Binscarth Woods, will be closed from 24 September to 15 October 2026 to allow road works to be undertaken.
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.
A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was carried out as part of the preparation of Orkney's Core Paths Plan, in line with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005. The SEA process helps identify and assess the potential environmental effects of plans and strategies before they are adopted, ensuring that environmental considerations are fully integrated into decision-making. It aims to prevent, reduce or offset any significant adverse impacts while supporting sustainable access to the outdoors. This page explains the purpose of the SEA and provides access to the Environmental Report and supporting documents prepared for the Core Paths Plan.
Related resources
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Environmental Report for the draft Orkney core paths plans
This document contains the environmental report for Orkney Islands Council’s draft Core Paths Plan for 2008–2013. It assesses how the proposed path network could affect wildlife, water, soil, landscapes, historic sites, health and climate, finding mostly neutral effects with some benefits for health, access to heritage and reduced car use. It also sets out measures such as careful route design, signs and guidance, and monitoring of erosion, litter, wildlife disturbance and path use.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Appendix A
This document contains a review of international, European, national and local plans, programmes and strategies relevant to the draft Orkney Core Paths Plan. It explains how the plan supports walking, cycling, health and lower emissions, while protecting biodiversity, water, landscapes, coastal areas and historic sites. It also covers access for disabled people, waste management and the need to avoid damage to habitats and watercourses.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Appendix B
This document contains an environmental baseline report for the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the draft Orkney Core Paths Plan. It describes the current state of Orkney’s climate, air quality, wildlife, water, soils, landscapes, cultural heritage, population, health and resources. It also identifies protected sites, environmental pressures such as flooding and pollution, and objectives for assessing how the Core Paths Plan may affect the environment.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Appendix B.1
This document contains an environmental baseline report for the strategic environmental assessment of the draft Orkney Core Paths Plan. It describes the current state of Orkney’s climate, air quality, wildlife, water, soils, landscapes, historic sites, population, health and material resources. It highlights protected natural and cultural areas, pollution and flooding risks, access challenges, and the environmental objectives used to assess possible effects of the plan, drawing on local and national data sources.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Appendix B.2
This document contains Appendix B.2 to the supplementary planning guidance on onshore wind energy development. It lists UK and local priority habitats, including heath, wetlands, woodlands, grasslands and coastal areas. It also identifies priority and conservation concern species found in Orkney, covering mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, plants and fungi, with local importance criteria and a short list of invasive species.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Appendix C
This document contains an assessment of Orkney’s core paths against environmental objectives covering wildlife, water, landscape, soil, heritage, health and pollution. It reviews paths across the islands and mainland, finding mostly neutral effects because routes already exist and little new infrastructure is planned. Walking and cycling may bring small benefits by supporting health, reducing car use and helping people enjoy natural and historic places, with guidance proposed to protect sensitive wildlife and sites.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Orkney core paths interactive map(opens in new tab)