A new strategy for access to the Highlands and Islands countryside will mean better co-ordination of management and investment in path networks and more opportunities for people who prefer low level walks.

The wide variety of recreational access opportunities available in the Highlands and Islands has long provided a popular attraction for visitors to the area and is an important resource for local people. However, increasing demands on this resource, coupled with new legislation means more management effort is required.

The development work for the Strategy which is being launched has been undertaken by HIE and SNH with input from local authorities, National Trust for Scotland, Forest Enterprise and several recreational groups.

So far, much of the emphasis on access to the countryside has been concerned with high level paths for serious walkers and climbers but this new strategy aims to bring low level walks into the picture providing opportunities for everyone including disabled people, mountain bikers and horse riders, through improved facilities such as better signage and car parking.

HIE chairman Dr Jim Hunter launched the new strategy today (Tuesday 22nd August) along with Simon Fraser of SNH, Highland Council convenor David Green and Ian Melville of the Scottish Executive, at a conference in Dingwall, focusing on access to the countryside and the Land Reform Bill. The event, 'A celebration of countryside access opportunities in the Highlands and Islands', hosted by HIE and SNH, brought together a variety of groups to discuss the economic, social and environmental benefits that improved access to the countryside can provide.

The Highlands and Islands Access Strategy sets out various targets for the next five years including the establishment of core path networks that will provide opportunities for all to enjoy the countryside.

The majority (92 per cent) of people wishing to access the countryside in Scotland want to do so in low level areas but most of the investment so far has been made in managing and improving high level paths for the more avid walker. A key priority in the Strategy is the establishment of these core low level paths which are designed to be welcoming, simple to find and easily accessible to all user groups, with path wardens playing a vital role in the management of routes.

It is also proposed that low level paths and the facilities they offer be promoted more successfully with an effective marketing campaign being implemented promoting access to the countryside to a wider audience. The document highlights the need for more research into the demand for low level walks and the technical aspects of access management.

Finally, the Strategy highlights the need for a more systematic approach by the various agencies involved in the decision-making and management of access to the countryside with more effective co-ordination of funding.

Dr Jim Hunter, chairman of HIE said: "The Highlands and Islands has some of the most outstanding scenery in Europe and at an historic time for the land reform agenda, the area is well placed to maximise both the opportunities and the benefits.

"The launch of the Highlands and Islands Access Strategy is a significant step towards our goal of achieving access to the countryside for all regardless of age, ability or activity.

Simon Fraser, chairman of SNH's North Area Boards said: "This new Strategy sets out an agreed cohesive approach to planning for access provision and all that entails. Without dictating what is to happen where, it aims to identify access needs as they vary from area to area, and it clarifies the roles of the various public bodies so we can be clear about who does what.

"It is yet another example of how various organisations in the Highlands and Islands are working together to achieve a shared vision. Scottish Natural Heritage is totally committed to this initiative and will contribute towards the costs of staff needed in local authorities to help translate the access vision into reality."