Outdoor access

Paths in the Highlands

We have received initial suggestions for core path changes and are conducting a review of potential amendments. The proposals will be refined, and further work and consultation should proceed in early 2026.

Core paths can be paths, waterways or any other means of crossing land to facilitate, promote and manage the exercise of access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, and are identified as such in access authority core paths plans.

A Core Path Plan provides a basic framework of routes for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout a particular area for walking, cycling, horse riding and other non-motorised activities.

Access rights must still be exercised responsibly on core paths. If you have questions about a core path, for example, a lack of directional signage (not all core paths are way marked) or regarding the management of the public of your land, then contact an access officer for the area, see the contacts.

Interactive map of our Core Paths

PDFs of core paths:

There are a number of Long Distance Trails in Highland which promote multi day routes .

Core Path Diversions and Closures

Core paths should be accessible to the public at all times. However severe weather events, structural defects on bridges and construction activitiy may lead to local diversions and in limited cases closure. The core path plan is reviewed to reflect these circumstances but not all issues will fit into this review time table. Below is points of note for the Highland Council Core Paths Plan.

  1. Bighouse Bridge, River Halladale by Melvich, Sutherland - The bridge on this core path, SU19.03, is closed due to structural defects. The approach paths to Melvich Bay and at Bighouse are unaffected.

  2. Kilbraur Bridge, River Brora, Sutherland - The bridge on this core path, SU06.02, is closed due to structural defects and will be removed shortly. There is an alternative crossing at Dalvaich 2km upstream.

Single Core Path Amendment - SU06.02 Loch Brora - West Track (December 2025)

Proposes to make a single amendment to the core path plan, as permitted by Section 20C of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, to alter and extend existing core path SU06.02 at Loch Brora, Sutherland.

West Highlands and Islands core paths plan review (started May 2015)

We have reviewed the core path plans for the West Highland and Islands area covering Skye, Lochalsh, Lochaber and Wester Ross. An amended core paths plan was published for consultation from July - October 2019. Land owners and occupiers were notified where a core path is being proposed for the first time.

The responses to this formal consultation have been assessed and recommendations put to the area committees with the plan being submitted to Scottish Government in Spring 2025.

View the amended core paths plan for West Highlands and Islands - not open for comments at this time.

Inner Moray Firth core paths plan review

We will be conducting a review of potential amendments The proposals will be worked on and a consultation is planned for early 2026.

For information on core paths in the Cairngorm National Park, please visit Cairngorm National Park Authority.

Caithness and Sutherland - Amended November 2024

The Modified Core Paths Plan (Caithness and Sutherland) Amended was adopted at the Caithness Local Committee on the 11 November 2024 and Sutherland Local Committee on the 12 November 2024. Full changes will be shown on the online mapping tool.

Outdoor Highlands

For information on other paths and access opportunities in Highland, including Long Distance Routes, please see our dedicated site.

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