Outdoor Access in North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire's outdoors offer a wide range of opportunities for outdoor access such as walking in the hills, horse riding on the extensive beaches, canoeing in the rivers and cycling on the National Cycle Network. These opportunities are provided by the right of responsible access under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
More information on Access Legislation
Public Consultation
A consultation session was held on Thursday 18 August 2011 in the Harbour Arts Centre on the exciting new proposals for the Irvine Bay Green Network, National Cycle Network Routes 7 and 73 and the Draft North Ayrshire Outdoor Access Strategy.
More information on the Draft Outdoor Access Strategy (PDF, 1.43MB )
More information on the proposals (PDF 1.40MB)
North Ayrshire Outdoor Access Forum
The North Ayrshire Outdoor Access Forum was formed in 2002 and provides advice and guidance to the Council and other interest parties on outdoor access related matters.
More information on the North Ayrshire Outdoor Access Forum
The Outdoor Access Forum plays an active role in the development of outdoor access in North Ayrshire and has recently reviewed the North Ayrshire Outdoor Access Strategy in partnership with the Council.
Core Paths Plan
Every Local Authority in Scotland is required under the Land Reform Act to prepare a Core Paths Plan to "provide the basic framework of routes sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout the area." Core Paths are a key part of outdoor access provision that aim to promote access and reduce the potential for conflict between the needs of land managers and those of access users. The development of the Plan will ensure that each town and village has a basic framework of paths available for recreation and everyday journeys by local people and visitors.
Path Networks
In addition to the paths highlighted in the Core Paths Plan, leaflets are available that show other paths and path networks.
More information on local path networks
National Cycle Network (NCN)
Two National Cycle Network (NCN) routes pass through North Ayrshire, NCN Route 7 and NCN Route 73.
More Information on the National Cycle Network
The Outdoor Access Officer
The Outdoor Access Officer's responsibilities include:
More Useful information is available from: