Upland Pathwork

Construction Standards for Scotland

Contents

• Home
• Preface
• Section 1. Introduction to Upland Pathwork
• 1.1. Principles of Upland Pathwork
• 1.2. Environmental Impact
• 1.3. Path Assessment
• 1.4. Path Survey
• 1.5. Maintenance
• 1.6. Working Practice
• 1.7. Tools and Equipment
• 1.7a. Mechanised Equipment
• 1.8. Health and Safety
• Section 2. Upland Path Drainage
• 2.0. Introduction to Drainage Techniques
• 2.1. Ditching
• 2.2. Stone Lett
• 2.3. Stone Waterbar
• 2.4. Stone Cross-drain
• 2.5. Stone Culvert
• 2.6. Piped Culvert
• 2.7. Stone Ford
• Section 3. Upland Path Surfaces
• 3.0. Introduction to Surface Techniques
• 3.1. Aggregate Path
• 3.2. Geotextiles: Aggregate Path on Peat
• 3.3. Anchor Bars: Aggregate Path on Slopes
• 3.4. Stone Pitched Path
• Section 4. Upland Path Site Restoration
• 4.0. Introduction to Restoration Techniques
• 4.1. Materials and Use
• 4.2. Defining Path Alignment
• 4.3. Containing Path Use
• 4.4. Bank and Slope Stabilisation
• 4.5. Restoring Vegetation
• Glossary of Symbols
• Glossary of Terms
• Further Reference

Welcome to Upland Pathwork

Welcome to the web version of the Upland Path Advisory Group’s (UPAG) Upland Pathwork Manual. This publication predominantly covers practical pathwork techniques and the context in which they should be used. It complements the Upland Path Management Manual which has been designed to cover the process of managing an upland path project from developing a proposal, through project delivery and aftercare. Both manuals have been designed for use by all involved in upland path management, although many of the principles also apply to lowland paths. In order to achieve the overall aim of the manual, that of managing effectively the impacts of access to the uplands whilst protecting the exceptional scenic quality of the Scottish mountains it is essential that anyone using the manual is familiar with the information contained in introduction to upland pathwork, before using the technical guidance contained in the remainder of the manual.

The manual was first produced in 1999, by UPAG’s predecessor body the Path Industry Skills Group, with additional information on mechanised equipment added in 2004. Since the original publication there have also been significant changes to the legal framework which may in time impact on the design and construction of upland paths in Scotland. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone the right of responsible access to most land and inland water, provided they behave responsibly. This includes cycling and horse riding as well as walking and may influence how and where people choose to take part in recreational activities. www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

The Disability Discrimination Acts (DDA) of 1995 and 2005 make it illegal to discriminate against people on grounds of their disability. For service providers, including path providers this means that 'reasonable adjustments' must be made to allow disabled people to use their services. Whilst ‘reasonable adjustments’ in relation to the DDA has yet to be defined in case law this is likely to include:-

• The nature of any provision for access
• The level of use
• The resources available (including financial assistance) and
• Whether taking any particular action would be effective.

In practical terms this may include replacing a cross drain with a culvert or re-routing a path to reduce gradient. Before spending money on pathwork, ask yourself whether what you are designing is as accessible as possible and if not, are there good reasons to justify your action if challenged. Details of best practice and additional information can be found in further reading.

UPAG would welcome comments on the guidance or information on new techniques. Contact can be made through recreationandaccess@snh.gov.uk

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