The Repair and Management of Upland Footpaths Based on Ben Ledi and Ben A'An - Abstract

The Repair and Management of Upland Footpaths Based on Ben Ledi and Ben A'An - Abstract

 

Abstract

Increasing recreational pressure has resulted in the deterioration of many Scottish mountain footpaths. as much of the enjoyment of the mountain environment is gained from the relative absence of signs of human impact, then over-used and eroded paths can clearly detract from this. Although the repair of these paths may appear to be the answer, if a constructed path looks more intrusive than the eroded one it is replacing (or if its poor surface causes walkers to avoid it). then the repairs such as these could hardly be considered to be an acceptable solution to the problems.

A principle objective of this dissertation is to suggest methods of footpath construction that will be acceptable to the walker, and will enhance, rather than detract from the enjoyment of the hill. This dissertation will focus on two mountains in the Trossachs: Ben Ledi and Ben A'an., where the footpaths have developed problems as a result of their popularity and over-use. Major repairs were recently carried out at Ben A'an, and so here, by the use of questionnaires, visitors' opinions about the most acceptable techniques and footpath surfaces will be investigated. The results of this research will then be applied to Ben Ledi where there are plans to carry out extensive repairs in 1996/1997. Finally, management suggestions for the Ben Ledi footpath will be proposed, based on this and other research methods, including a survey of the footpath, and also the use of questionnaires there.