Corrie Fee
New path & Bridge Upper Glen Clova
New path up to Loch Brandy
Eastern Cairngorms Access Project (ECAP)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eastern Cairngorms Access Project (ECAP)?
The ECAP was a £2.4m programme to develop Countryside Access, that restored damaged landscapes and improved visitor facilities within the mountains and glens of Angus and Upper Deeside. The Project was made possible by a partnership between a consortium of public and private sector bodies.
What is so special about the area?
The Angus Glens and Upper Deeside lie in the East Grampian hills, forming the Eastern-gateway to the Cairngorms. The area is of outstanding importance for its unique landscape, geology, nature conservation and cultural interest and occupies 70% of the Cairngorms National Park.
Why was the project carried out?
The exceptional landscape and natural heritage of the Eastern Cairngorms, together with its opportunities for outdoor recreation, underpins the tourist economy of the Angus Glens and Upper Deeside. There was a need for a cohesive approach to raising the standard and quality of visitor facilities across the area.
The mountain paths that have been repaired were amongst the most damaged in Scotland. Sustained recreational use coupled with natural erosion had resulted in major damage to the landscape. It was essential that protection was provided for the area's ecology to preserve it's unique nature for the future.
What activities were carried out?
- Sensitive repairs to hill paths, including Lochnagar, Mount Keen, Jock's Road and Loch Brandy.
- The development of high quality path networks within the glens, including some new routes.
- The development of low ground community path networks around Aboyne, Brechin, Kirriemuir and other settlements across the area. (See Paths for All Networks A-Z entry.)
- Creation, upgrading and signing of rural car parks and picnic areas at key access points into the countryside.
- The development of information guides and interpretive map boards at key access points and the development of a website for visitors.
- Marketing and promotion to improve knowledge and awareness of the area. Leaflets have been published and are available from public information outlets or ACCESSLine 08452 777 778 in Angus or downloaded using the links below. (Please note that the 'Walking in Glen Clova and Glen Doll' and 'Walking in Glen Esk' leaflets are now out of print, but can still be downloaded.)
- Walking in Glen Clova and Glen Doll (980 KB PDF)
- out of print - Glen Clova Paths (1.2 MB PDF) Opens in a new window - replacement for above
- Walking in Glen Esk (860 KB PDF) - out of print
- Glen Esk Paths (1.2 MB PDF) Opens in a new window - replacement for above
- Kirriemuir Path Network (860 KB PDF)
- Brechin Path Network (1.4 MB PDF)
- Walking in Glen Clova and Glen Doll (980 KB PDF)
Who managed the project?
The project activities were planned and managed by Angus Council across the Angus Glens and by the Upper Deeside Access Trust within Upper Deeside.
How was the project funded?
The project was part funded by the partnership bodies with significant match funding from the European Union (ERDF Objective 2 programme) and Heritage Lottery funds.
How do I find out more about the project?
The improvements are now complete on the ground. The various marketing and promotion activities will help to spread the word about the improvements.
For further details about the project please contact:
Angus:
Countryside Access Officer
Planning and Transport Division
Angus Council
County Buildings
Market Street
Forfar DD8 3LG
Tel: 01307 473220
Fax: 01307 461895
Deeside:
Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust
Aboyne Castle Business Centre
Aboyne
Aberdeenshire AB34 5JP
Tel/Fax: 01339 887 777
Email: info@cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk
View leaflets:
- Walking in Glen Clova and Glen Doll (980 KB PDF)
- Walking in Glen Esk (860 KB PDF)
- Kirriemuir Path Network (860 KB PDF)
- Brechin Path Network (1.4 MB PDF)
View Angus Council's Countryside Access Strategy (90 KB PDF)
Service Page: ecap.htm
Service Details Last Reviewed : 29 November 2012
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