footpaths

Rights and responsibilities when enjoying the outdoors

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PKC core paths around Alyth – see link below for more information

The Land Reform Act of 2003 was the basis of the access rights that we all enjoy in Scotland.  As a consequence, local councils including Perth & Kinross were tasked with designating core paths, which are paths and tracks providing public access to the countryside for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.  Landowners and local paths groups were widely consulted.  There then followed a lengthy period of consultation where objections were raised and an inquiry ordered by Scottish Ministers, before finally the Perth & Kinross Council Core Paths Plan was adopted in January 2012, and revised in 2017.

Scottish Access Rights do not however only apply to core paths.  The vast majority of land in Scotland is accessible to responsible walkers, horse riders, and cyclists, but not motorised vehicles.  Please remember to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. There’s much more information here: https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/15436/Outdoor-access-rights-and-responsibilities, including maps of the core paths in the Alyth area and elsewhere.

PKC has ultimate responsibility for maintaining these core paths in our area in consultation with landowners. If you have questions about core paths not being maintained, and what can be done to keep these routes open, you should contact PKC’s Greenspace Team – dstubbs@pkc.gov.uk – or the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust – ajbarrie@pkc.gov.uk – with your concerns.   A good list of all Scottish access officers and other organisations can be found here: https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/doc/scottish-access-officer-contact-list

New trailer for Alyth Path Network 

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Alyth Path Network’s vital work in maintaining footpaths around the town will be even more effective now thanks to a new trailer bought with a £2000 grant from Alyth Development Trust’s Community Projects Fund.

Alyth Path Network volunteers show off their new equipment trailer.

APN volunteers regularly travel out to ensure local country paths are kept clear and safe for residents and visitors alike.  The new trailer makes it much easier and safer to transport large equipment such as strimmers which previously had to be fitted awkwardly into group members’ cars.

The APN group maintains several miles of paths in the countryside around Alyth, and has also published two “WalkAlyth” leaflets.  More than 3000 copies have been distributed among the local community and the increasing number of walkers who now visit the town throughout the year.  Last year, the APN was voted Alyth Community Group of the Year – a remarkable achievement for a group which has only been in existence for just over a year.

APN founder Ron McGill said:  “Well-maintained and signposted paths give walkers with little navigational experience the confidence to venture out, and walking is now widely acknowledged as a major benefit to health and wellbeing.

“However, local councils no longer have the resources and finance to maintain core paths, and therefore rely on local volunteer groups.  By keeping our local paths in a safe and enjoyable state, we are enabling walkers of all ages and abilities to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and enjoy the beautiful countryside around Alyth. In addition, local businesses are benefitting from an increase in visitors to the town, which boosts the local economy,” he added.

ADT’s Community Projects Fund distributes the community benefit funds provided for Alyth by the operators of the Tullymurdoch Windfarm, some five miles north of the town.  Applications to the fund are judged by an independent panel of volunteers drawn from across the community.  Apply at https://lovealyth.org.uk/projects/alyth-community-projects-fund/.

Local footpaths promoted with new leaflets

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Alyth’s wonderful network of paths connecting it to the beauties of the surrounding countryside is getting a welcome profile boost thanks to a grant from our Community Projects Fund.

The Fund has given £2000 to the WalkAlyth project to fund the design and production of a range of leaflets detailing individual walking routes along existing footpaths starting and finishing in Alyth.  The routes vary from one hour to four hours in length and the leaflets provide not only a route-map but also pictures and interesting information about things to see along the way.

The leaflets are available from the local library, local accommodation providers and businesses, and can also be downloaded from Alyth.Online so that ramblers can use them on their phones or other mobile devices.

Local artist and craftsman Ron McGill , who has done all the research and photography for the leaflets, commented:  “Alyth is a wonderful centre for exploring the amazing local countryside, flora and fauna.  Until now, there has been little information available to visitors and members of the local community who want to enjoy this unique environment. 

“Walking is an increasingly popular pastime, which has many benefits for physical and mental health. We hope that these leaflets promoting walking around Alyth will contribute to the wellbeing of local people and also help to increase the number of visitors to Alyth, with benefits for the local economy.”

Leaflets/maps of walking and cycling routes around Alyth were identified as a priority in the Alyth Community Action Plan 2021-26. 

ADT’s Community Projects Fund distributes the community benefit funds provided for Alyth by the operators of the Tullymurdoch Windfarm, some five miles north of the town.  Applications to the fund are judged by an independent panel of volunteers drawn from across the community.  Apply at https://lovealyth.org.uk/projects/alyth-community-projects-fund/.

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