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While every effort is made to ensure that information held within this document is accurateand up to date, Croft Consultants will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury, orinconvenience caused by any inaccuracies contained herein.

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The Country Path and related Guides are a series of documents intended to provideBest Practice solutions for the development and operation of paths and relatedsupport features and infrastructure. The series does not constitute a directive or legalguidance. The series is intended to provide the information needed by developersand managers to ensure that their visitors and users enjoy the greatest level ofinclusiveness while retaining the experience and challenges expected from a visit tothe country.

Document History

0 17-5-00

1 31-10-04

1401-M-020-02-

Path Operation and Management

1

Country PathOperation andManagement

ScopeThis guide provides andoverview of the a pathoperations manager’sresponsibilities andconsiderations and acts as anintroduction to the otherguides in this series.

Index

Scope .....................................1Index......................................1

Introduction........................ 2

Good Practice ..........................3Possible impacts ......................7

Ancient Monuments and Sites 8

Archaeological Sites ............. 8

Conservation Sites............... 8

Wildlife Sites............................9Geophysical Sites ...................10

Upland Paths .................... 11

Assessment of Effects on theEnvironment ..................... 12

Public Access .................... 12

Problems and Solutions ...... 12

Funding ................................13

Facilities........................... 13

Fencing & Plantations.............14Shelter & Seating...................14Transport & Parking ...............14Sanitary Facilities ...................14Picnic & Viewing Areas ...........15Signage ................................15

Summary of Path Design andOperation ......................... 16

Accessible Surfaces ................16Non-accessible Surfaces .........16Maintenance & Installation .....17

Ordnance Survey............... 18


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Country PathOperation and Management

IntroductionWalking has always been, and for the foreseeable future willcontinue to be, the main type of access provided by country landmanagers. Managers should continue to make assessments of newwalking opportunities, in particular the provision of more places tostop, as well as places to go, and more routes for visitors withreduced mobility (young families, older and disabled visitors etc.).Changes in the EU farming Policies will take farms out of productionopening the way to potentially greater access to land which iscurrently closed o public use.

The need for and use of public rights of way has changed radicallysince the 1940’s; they are no longer primary means of getting fromA to B: the motor vehicle fulfils that function. Footpaths, bridleways,roads used as public paths, byways open to all traffic and un-classified highways are now the means by which the countrysidecan facilitate many leisure activities including walking, horse ridingand off-road cycling. (see the CROW Act for details available fromHMSO and can be downloaded from their website)

The use of the path network has dramatically increased over thelast decade as people have become more environmentally andhealth conscious. Leisure time has increased and transport hasbecome available to more people. This has led inevitably tocomplications for path management. The often conflicting desires ofmany diverse interests in the countryside need to be co-ordinated inorder to maintain a degree of harmony and to keep conflict to aminimum. Therefore, the physical impact on the paths poses arequirement for continual review and maintenance.

More and more, the limited extent of the path and track network isbecoming apparent, particularly for older and disabled users. TheForestry Commission and the National Park Authority through theirduty to protect the landscape and to provide for public recreationplay a primary role in assisting the highways and local authoritieswith the management and maintenance of the public path network.

• Country lanes, tracks and paths are key elements of recreationalenvironments. Around the world many fragile areas are feeling thepressure of increased human occupation and usage.

• Forestry, National Parks and other protected areas are becomingdamaged as more and more people seek refuge, from the ‘pressures’ ofmodern life.


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• Recreational use increases dramatically every year, and manyconservation areas have path networks that cannot withstand thenumbers of today’s visitors.

In the developing paths that are part of a vital network that isunder threat. Paths are used for, getting to shops, leisure,entertainment, sport, schools and hospitals. They also formconnections between communities and families.

Path erosion is a problem that will continue to grow, and can be aserious issue if adequate and timely maintenance is not planned forand funded. Degraded paths have an adverse effect on thesurrounding environment, population and tourists.

Effects of erosion include:

Visual intrusionDamaged eco-systems

Loss of access to amenitiesEscalating maintenance costs

Reduction in accessibility and safetyIncreased costs of goods and services

Research shows us that, although there are many organisationsworking in the field of development, conservation and path networkimprovement. It has also shown that maintenance work is oftenomitted or is not considered a priority for planning or funding.

From producing sustainable management plans to training aworkforce, land managers need to provide the highest standards ofenvironmental intervention. Whether your path is worked on byprofessionals or volunteers managers must ensure that resourcesare sufficient to provide training, materials, equipment and for thesafety of users.

Good Practice• As far as possible ensure that complaints from the public about path

surfaces do not compromise important natural or land managementprocesses (e.g. allow some wet and boggy paths, dung on paths, etc.where disabled people and children are not likely path users).

• Assess and predict levels of use before undertaking new promotionalinitiatives; ensure landscape and habitat damage is unlikely to occur or isminimised and that staffing and maintenance resources are available.

• Assess critically the need for erosion repair, especially in the upland areasand water sheds. Consider priorities in the context of competing needs(e.g. information provision, monitoring and new types of alternate accesselsewhere) which may have more overall benefit.

• Assess paths for long-term sustainability and where practicable seek to re-route those that are badly sited, prohibitively expensive to maintain ordamaging features of interest.


An ecological audit is essential in all planning and operation of paths toensure plant and animal life are not unduly disrupted.

• Vary path patterns to fit the path's purpose, challenge level and theproperty's physical attributes. Try to develop a path network that connectsyour points of interest in aclosed loop design with asingle access point. Looppatterns avoid thebacktracking requirement oflinear paths and allow youto incorporate more pathkilometres into a smallarea. You can design theloops with internal cut-backpaths to offer differenttravel lengths and userexperiences. Use linearpaths for traversing long distanaccessing out-of-the-way areawaterfalls, lakes).

• Use a short linear path to acceon level terrain because steeppath users.

• Select a loop direction thatallows users to traverse amajority of the climbs in thefirst half of the path beforethey tire. Reverse curvesand barriers can be used toensure that path traffic flowsonto the loop in the desireddirection.

• Consider opportunities foradditional routes, creatinglinks with footpaths beyondyour management area.Also take into considerationhazardous routes such asnarrow single track lanes, thesmanagement area. If you wishmust be able to get to it in safe

• Incorporate curves and subtle interest and promote an atmosrarely should exceed 50 metrecross open fields, motorised roPath users may become lost oor open access area. To avoidroute, or parallel a woodland e

ces, connecting existing paths, ands off the main loop (e.g., summits,

ss loop paths. Try to locate the access path climbs or drops may discourage potential

e ptybpsar td

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may be outside your immediateeople to use and enjoy your path they.

ends into the path design to increase userhere of remoteness. Straight sections. This rule may be broken when pathsds, along waterways, or potential hazards.leave the path when crossing an open fieldhese problems, select the most directge or fence row.


• Long, steep gradients tire path users and allow drainage water to flowdown the path creating potential erosion problems. Conversely, levelgradients tend to bore path users and allow water to accumulate on thepath bed. To improve natural drainage and increase user interest,frequently alternate inclined and level gradients. As a rule of thumb, pathsshould be 1/3 level, 1/3 uphill, and 1/3 downhill. Switchbacks and/or stepsmay be necessary to traverse steep slope sections.

• Maintain adequate sight distances when approaching a potential pathhazard and always cross waterways and highways at a 90-degree angle.Do not join your path straight onto a road make the join with an angledapproach to encourage users to slowdown and take care. This isespecially true where cyclists are potential path users.

• Encourage and make it easier for visitors to walk to your property fromtheir homes or public transport links. Introduce links from the path to publictransport stops, provide or encourage building of shelter at these stops.

• Liase with local walkers and ramblers, cycle, equestrian and local accessgroups to discuss their needs and co-ordinate these with those of the landowner/manager.

• Many walkers seek peace and quiet and a sense of wilderness, this needshould be catered for although these routes may then be unsuitable forolder and disabled people. Try to provide similar experiences for peoplewho are both less and more able to cope with challenges.

• Path and track width and overhead clearance standards depend on thetrail activity, terrain, and maintenance needs. A path corridor normally iscleared to a minimum height of 2300 mm (pedestrians) 2500-2750 mm(Cyclists), 3500-3900 mm (horse riders) and a minimum width of 1800-2500 mm. Smaller clearings often are quickly closed by growingvegetation. This especially is true where paths pass through dense brush.Expand the clearing width as the path approaches a vehicle roadwaycrossing to ensure adequate sightlines, especially if the user's pace isfaster than walking. Different clearing widths and heights may be used toencourage a variety of path vegetation and reduce the tunnel effectcreated by clearing a corridor through dense brush. Additional clearancealso may be necessary to compensate for branches sagging with heavysnow or rain. As a general rule, clearing width increases with a path user'sspeed. Provide additional clearance on downhill sections and turns.

• Locate network entrances carefully to encourage use but reducevandalism. Minimise the number of path access points. Use a singleentry/exit point toreduce user confusionand increase yourcontrol of path networkaccess. If the entranceand exit cannot be atthe same point, locatethe exit within sight ofthe entrance. However,

5


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you might screen the exit from the path to ensure that users do not takeshortcuts prior to reaching it.

• Exercise caution when designing paths for cycling.Cyclists do not always use bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and specialdesigns such as reclining cycles andhand peddled cycles may be used andrequire larger turning circles, path widthsand stopping distances.The minimum turning radius mustincrease with the speed of the path user.Try to maintain a forward sight distanceof 30 metres on cycle path curves. Avoidplacing curves on downhill slopes or atthe bases of hills. End downhill runs witha straight section on level terrain that isat least as long as the slope or with ashort rise in gradient before entering acurve.If a downhill curve is necessary, installwarning signs at least 30 metres prior toentering the curve and provide a run-outor widen the trail or increase the turnradius. Provide wider curves with longersight distances on heavily used pathswith traffic flowing in both directions.

• Monitor erosion repair to assess its long-termand investigate contribution of land use, e.g.levels of use at selected sites/times throughthrough the year.

• Provide information which gives guidance onhow to get there and what walking conditioncreate an awareness and understanding of tpeople to judge whether your path or park iscompanions. This information should be proliterature, on local authority websites and bypath heads.

• Replace barriers which prevent older and disyoung children in buggies from using the paare particularly excluding, replace them withCountry Barriers)

• Seek opportunities to extend access on tenawhere there are new tenants or land is takenwhole farm/locality assessment. Make goodand environment schemes for this purpose.

• Seek to place shelter, resting places and saintervals. Continence is a major reason for mtravel. Shelter and resting paces are often e

effectiveness and benefits grazing, forestry. Monitorout the path use season or

where to go, what to see,s to expect. This helps tohe countryside and allows suitable for them and theirvided in any advertising use of information boards at

abled people or those withth. Stiles and kissing gates gaps or gates. (see our guide

nted farmland, particularly out of production, as part of a

use of forestry, agricultural

nitary places at suitableany people limiting their

ssential considerations by


7

older and disabled people when planning a trip. If your path lacks facilitiesa large proportion of the potential users are likely to go elsewhere.

• Liase with local business to provide refreshment and featureopportunities. Well designed and maintained path networks draw peoplefrom outside the area by involving local traders in your project. Byemphasising increased trade potentials you open the door to possibleadditional funding and support.

Possible impacts• Erosion and costly path repair works on existing and poorly designed

new paths and tracks. Often there will be insufficient assistance fromhighway authorities and land owners.

• Damage to habitats and natural features from footpath constructionand later operation.

• Seasonal disturbance of fauna, especially nesting birds.• Damage to fragile or protected vegetation.• Damage to walls, fences, gates, etc.,• Litter and broken glass.• Conflict between walkers, cyclists and horse riders (perception of

danger, walkers frightened, path surfaces made more difficult forwalkers and mobility aid uses and for people with low vision orhearing).

• Safety requirements, the cost of their implementation, maintenanceand damage to valuable features. Make sure that you take outadequate insurance to cover accidents for workers (contracted,employees or volunteers) and members of the public.

• Traffic and car parking congestion associated with walking, and thecost of car park maintenance. There is a possibly some income fromcar parking and letting franchises for refreshment and servicepremises.

• Vandalism, damaged and missing signage or gates.As a path manager you are responsible for the safety ofthose who use or may be placed at hazard by your path. Planyour maintenance, make regular inspections and respond tofailures and incidents promptly.

Fence off any dangerous failures until work can becompleted. If necessary construct and accessible by-pass forthe fenced section.

Make sure path users know or can find out where and towhom problem and accident reports should be made.

Make and review Risk Assessments for all elements of yourpath network or park area.

Make and review Access Assessments and Statements.


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These help identify where improvement is needed, plannecessary action and record your consideration of safety andaccessibility.

Keep records of reports and action taken/planned this isyour protection against accident claims.

Ancient Monuments and SitesScheduling an ancient monument does not in itself ensure itscontinued preservation. This can only be achieved if the monumentis appropriately managed and its condition is regularly monitoredand maintained.

Running a new path directly to or close to a site can increase thenumber of people and degrade what is intended to be preserved.Consider routing the path at some distance and constructing abranch path which dead ends at the protected location. This willreduce the number of visitors to those who are actually interestedin the monument.

Archaeological SitesMany visitors will be attracted by archaeological sites, eitherworking or fully excavated. Random access by members of thepublic is likely to damage the site or significant items may beremoved.

Site managers should consider the interest of visitors and takeappropriate action to preserve the site. Providing boardwalks withguardrails will channel visitors while reducing ground disruption to aminimum.

Conservation SitesThere are many factors beyond the control of site managers.

These may include direct impacts from distant sources such asatmospheric pollution, or interruption of water or sediment supply.

Factors which cannot be tackled due to inadequacies in thelegislation, or because of competing legislation must also beidentified.

Some factors may be beyond management’s ability to control at thepresent time, but as an initial management response to anunfavourable conservation status assessment, management may beable to modify the way they control other factors to offset thenegative effects.

For example, if a feature relies on open sand dune habitats forsurvival and there is negligible sand accretion on the site, then it


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may be necessary to create open sand as part of a holdingoperation until natural dynamism can restored to the system.

In all such cases it is important to communicate with those whocould influence this factor e.g. land, waterway owner/managers,industrial and farm management, conservation authorities.

Wildlife SitesThere are likely to be places along a path network where birds areanimals are nesting or feeding where interruption by humanpresence is undesirable.

Consider fencing (or using plantings) to minimise impact byhumans. Total exclusion will often be difficult to impose, therefore,consider providing hides and secluded routes where visitors canview the species without disrupting their lifestyle.

Dead wood, standing and fallen, should be retained to providehabitat for invertebrates, fungi and other woodland species. (NoteThe logic of this is that the presence of dead wood should providefor a wide range of dependant species, in particular invertebrates,lower plants and fungi. The presence of locally native tree speciesand veteran trees should ensure that other dependant species arealso present.)

Where the objective is for habitats or populations to be in a morenatural state, management should generally attempt to maintain, orenable, natural processes. For example when managing an uplandacidic oak woodland, in order to optimise conditions for the widestrange of species, plant and animal, management should aim, in thelong term, to achieve a woodland stand which is naturallyregenerating, (where sufficiently large) and includes trees of all ageclasses and sufficient standing and fallen dead wood. Natural localplanting should be used and where possible imported specieslimited to exhibit status.

In contrast, on many sites, conservation management may begeared to holding successional processes at a phase of highconservation interest, for example, managed grassland, whereallowing or encouraging natural processes to continue would resultin loss of diversity or loss of other valued components.

Conservation of plants and wildlife must form a component of anypath/access operation and maintenance planning. Advice should beobtained from suitably competent persons. Enhancement andmanagement of the habitat may be suitable for obtaining grantsfrom the Countryside or Wildlife Commissions.


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Recordable and Protection Attributes may include –

For SpeciesQuantity:• The size of a population, for example:• The total number of individuals present.• The total number of breeding adults.• The population at a specified point in an annual cycle.• The extent or distribution of a populationQuality:• Survival rates• Productivity• Age structure• Sex ratio

For HabitatsQuantity:• Size of the area occupied by the habitat or by one or more constituent

communities• Distribution of the habitat or of one or more constituent communitiesQuality:• Physical structure (a wide range of attributes are possible here, and are

very feature-specific)• Presence, abundance, relative proportions, distribution of individual

species or groups of species indicative of condition• Presence, abundance, relative proportions, distribution of individual

species or groups of species indicative of change

Geophysical SitesSome geophysical features (rocks, fault lines etc.) may also besubject to protection by conservation authorities. These may notalways have a good appearance or location. Some features arebetter left buried for their better conservation long-term.

Path development and management must not destroy or disrupt thefeature. These sites are normally controlled by the CountrysideCommission and a check should be made for any such featuresalong your planned route.

Recordable and Protection Attributes may include -

• Size of area occupied by a rock type or landform (or group of these)• Distribution of rocks, minerals, fossils or landforms: mappable traces of

any geological feature


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• Amount of resource (e.g. volume of mineral in a mine tip)• Size of clean examinable rock surfaces• Integrity, for instance of a static landform (e.g. measure of turf cover and

lack of erosion, and absence of trees)

Upland PathsUpland areas often have relatively fragile environments andincreased usage and global warming are both having an impact onthese once remote places. These are often located where peoplewith physical limitations cannot be catered for without undue costand environmental intrusion. In such cases sections of pathsconnected to the road network should be made accessible to alloweveryone to sample the experience.

The vulnerability of many paths has been greatly increased inrecent years due to the expanding participation in walking and othercountryside activities, including the relatively recent concept ofmountain biking. The fragile nature of the upland terrain crossed bysome of these paths coupled with this pressure has led to numerousproblems. This must be qualified however, by its putting intocontext in terms of the extent of the rights of way network. Erosionis only a problem on a relatively small number of upland paths; themajority of managed public rights of way are free from this type ofproblem.

There is no definitive means of combating path erosion: solutionshave to be arranged to fit the conditions dictated by the localenvironment. Factors such as terrain type, flora, degree of slope,height of path, extent of use, rainfall and drainage, proximity tosettlements etc. The particular solution is therefore site specific.

It may be necessary to construct some form of reinforced or pavedpath surface in eroded sections of paths. As the reason forconstructing a path is primarily to protect the landscape from theintrusion of a further scar, the construction technique and materialsshould fit the environment

One preventative measure is to build paths from gritstoneflagstones using traditional construction techniques; on slopes atechnique employed centuries ago and known as 'pitching' is beingused. This is not an Accessible surface and if poorly constructed ormaintained can be a safety hazard for all users. Local materials areused where possible. These paths are replicas of the old pack horsetracks that traverse the high moorland.

Where a traditional method is impractical due to expense transportof materials, shortage of trained personnel or other problems thenother methods may need to be employed. Often these alternativestake the form of the building of an aggregate gritstone or limestone


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(according to the location) surface. Paths built of these materials, atleast in the early years, tend to have a somewhat urban look andhence are less acceptable than traditionally constructed paths asthey detract from the natural look of the location.

Assessment of Effects on the EnvironmentAn assessment of impacts on the environment is required DeFRAhave published guidance ‘Environmental Effects of Access to theOpen Countryside’ this is available on their website

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/access/appraise/app8.htm

Public AccessIf the path is a public right of way a closure approach to pathregeneration (which may require a season or months) is difficult toapply. It is not possible to divert or close a public right of waywithout due legal procedure under the Highways Act 1980. It is notpossible under this legislation to close a public right of way unlessthat path is not needed for public use. If a path is so well used thatit is becoming eroded then it is obvious that the path is needed forpublic use.

If you are a member of the public planning to use the new right ofaccess and would like to find out what land is open for access underthe CROW Act, or any other arrangements, or whether land iscovered by a restriction or exclusion, then visit the CountrysideAgency's website, www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk This website alsoprovides guidance for land owner/managers.

Right of access in Wales can be found on the Countryside Councilfor Wales' website at www.ccw.gov.uk.

Problems and SolutionsThe vulnerability of many paths has been greatly increased inrecent years due to the expanding participation in walking and othercountryside activities, including the relatively recent concept ofmountain biking and mobility vehicles. The fragile nature of theupland and wetland terrain crossed by some of these paths coupledwith this increased usage pressure has led to problems in somelocalities. Regular inspection of paths coupled with promptmaintenance will control most problems. Where the problem ispersistent and maintenance costs escalating it may be necessary toprovide alternate additional routes, hardening or paving certainsections or closing routes during certain recovery periods.

There is no definitive means of combating path erosion: solutionshave to be fixed to fit the conditions dictated by the particular



http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/

http://www.ccw.gov.uk/


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environment. Factors such as terrain type, flora, degree of slope,height of path, extent of use, proximity to residential areas orlocations with large numbers of holiday homes. Path manager’shave a responsibility to preserve the landscape and the wildlife itcontains. These considerations must always underlay any newproposals or on-going management/maintenance schemes.

Prevention is better than cure, and less costly in both financial andecological terms in the long run.

Where a path needs to be closed to encourage revegetation thisoften be attained by providing fencing and an alternate routeencouraging visitors to walk elsewhere. This may not be possible ifthe route is a ‘public right of way’ as closure requires an order withdue legal procedures under the Highways Act 1980. It is notpossible under this legislation to close a public right of way unlessthat path is not needed for public use (and if a path is so well usedthat it is becoming eroded then it is obvious that the path is neededfor public use).

An asphalt path costs about 30-60% less than a concrete path toconstruct. If the asphalt is laid on an inadequate base layermaintenance and restoration costs will quickly outstrip any savingsmade.

FundingFunds for path repair work came from a variety of sources; thehighway authorities have the legal responsibility for themaintenance of the network. The National Park Authoritycontributes and so do major landowners with conservation interestssuch as the National Trust, Forestry Commission, Water Companiesand large estates. Occasionally, funds are contributed by charitableorganisations such as the Peak District and Environment Fund.

FacilitiesManaging a path network includes looking after other facilities andinfrastructure e.g.

• Fencing and plantations

• Shelter & Seating

• Sanitary facilities (toilet and washing). During constructionin contaminated lands changing and shower facilities arelikely to be required.

• Transport & Parking (including safe lockable facilities formachinery during construction)

• Picnic & Viewing areas

• Signage


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Fencing & PlantationsAs a path manager you need to consider and maintain fences andhedgerows.

An overgrown path quickly becomes unusable and ultimatelyforgotten.

Broken fences allow farm animals to invade the route or allow user’spets to get into farmland or bordering homes.

Regular inspection and maintenance should be planned andscheduled.

While a fence or hedgerow may not be directly your responsibilityoffering aid to bordering owners can reduce any friction broughtabout by path use.

Shelter & SeatingProviding shelter for path users should be considered. This need notbe elaborate but sufficient to provide wind and rain protection alongthe route. Young children, older and disabled people are sensitive tolow temperatures and soaking, where users are aware that shelteris available it will encourage path use.

Where path routes cross mountains or coastal areas subject toclimate extremes provision of more substantial shelter may beindicated. This should be assessed by audit and related toexperience of the locality and users.

Seating should be provided at rest points along any path, these donot have to be formal benches in all cases. Natural features, rock,tree trunks etc. could be used the main criteria should be suitableheight and provision of grabs too aid sitting and standing. See ourguide ‘Street Seating’.

Transport & ParkingProviding public transport is not part of the path manager’sresponsibilities. However, arranging for a public transport stop nearthe path head and foot should be considered. Less than half thepopulation possess or have access to private vehicles if peoplecannot get to your path it is not going to be used. For busy pathsconsider providing a shelter at a bus stop for use by your visitors.

Parking at the path head should be available including spaces fordisabled travellers.

Sanitary FacilitiesA basic minimal toilet is preferable to no toilet at all. A fullyaccessible WC is only required by a limited number of people, thevast majority can be catered for with minimal access features. Lack


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of facilities for continence is one of the major barriers amongstdisabled and older people and is very common amongst thepopulation as a whole. Where there are no toilets there is acorresponding scarcity of visitors, as a minimum facilities should beavailable at the path head where people can relieve themselvesafter travelling.

Where possible fully compliant (Building Regulations Part M andBS8300) unisex accessible units should be provided especially atpath heads and main picnic areas.

Elsewhere more basic designs may be all that is available within theresources of the path management.

• These units should provide a WC with grabrails these aid peoplewith mobility and visual impairments.

• Using trough type male urinals (if possible with a section fittedwith grabrails) can be used by a large proportion of thepopulation from young boys to wheelchair riders.

• A wide entry door (850-1000) with a level entry and a levelapproach, or ramp with level platform at the top.

• Lighting if possible, solar panels can make providing light inrural locations viable.

Picnic & Viewing AreasAny larger path/network can benefit from the provision of picnicareas to attract and cater for visitors. At least a proportion of suchareas should be designed for accessibility and have suitable featuresand fixtures for a wide range of visitors.

Likewise where there are special panoramas or places of interestproviding view points will attract visitors and by constructing themencourage the visitors to stay out of areas you wish to protect.These should be designed for accessibility to the same standard asthe path on which they are located.

SignageSignage is one of the most important features of a path network, itis also one of the least considered and maintained.

It people cannot find your path or lack reassurance about theirroute when using it they are unlikely to return.

Regular inspection of signs should be a feature of every manager’smaintenance plan. Consider providing a place or contact where pathusers can suggest/request additional or alternate signage. Signssuitable for one group may not be suitable or insufficient foranother.


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Summary of Path Design and Operation

Accessible SurfacesWhen deciding on a pathway surface material, a path managershould ask the following questions:

• What is the goal of the path experience?• Which is the primary user group?• What are the budget and maintenance constraints?• What are the initial and on-going resources available? (including voluntary

workers)• What are the geographical and hydrographic characteristics of the path

route?• What are the expected weather conditions it must withstand, and likely

conditions when people make use of the path?The path experience is probably the most important consideration,making a path designed to challenge hikers ‘accessible’ changes it’snature and it’s primary purpose becomes lost. For this reason aseparate guide is available for Hiking & Rambling paths.

Where a path is intended for leisurely sight seeing making the pathaccessible become a reasonable adjustment.

Non-accessible SurfacesThere are a variety of surfaces that are not accessible to people withmobility impairments.

Through both research and experience, several surfaces have beendetermined to be inaccessible.

Sand particles are too fine to give support, therefore retreating underpressure. Pea gravel, mulch and wood-chips are pushed aside by crutchesand wheelchairs, thereby creating an unstable surface to traverse.

Large gravel rocks are an extremely difficult surface on which tomanoeuvre wheelchair tires and crutches.

Soil indigenous to the area may be accessible if properly compacted andmaintained, however, weather conditions can alter the accessibility ofsuch a surface in a matter of minutes.

Deciding on a surface material for an accessible pathway will take timeand effort. Keep in mind that just because someone claims a surface isaccessible, does not mean it is. A thorough evaluation of your needs andcomprehensive research into the materials and their suppliers shouldensure an accessible path surface that can be enjoyed by all visitors.


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Maintenance & InstallationAs with any product, maintenance is integral to the accessibility of aproduct. Maintenance needs depend on many variables including weather,climate, volume of use, type of product, installation procedures and age.

Installation and maintenance procedures need to be followed closely toensure the accessibility of the surface. The planning, preparation andsurface product may be correct for accessibility, however, if theinstallation procedures are not carefully followed and monitored, the endpath may not be accessible. The siting extent of drainage built into thescheme can make or break the long term accessibility of the path. Poordrainage increases maintenance cost and the time and effort needed tokeep the path usable.

Continuous surfaces, such as concrete, bitumen and asphalt, areconsidered accessible surfaces. Many country site managers feel thesetwo surfaces are not natural looking and therefore lower the naturalexperience for the visitor. However, it is now possible to stain, stencil andcolour concrete to a more desirable appearance.

A concrete path may have been accessible when it was installed twentyyears ago, but other variables may have caused the concrete to buckleand crack. If the condition of the material causes an aspect of the pathnot to comply with standards, then the path is not accessible.

Concrete pavers and bricks may be accessible when laid however, freezingand thawing can cause the surface to buckle or heave causing a trippingobstruction.

Asphalt may need to be sealed to hinder cracking and compacted gravelwill need to properly compact.

A good example of deterioration problems is brick. When first installed, itis possible that brick surfacing is compliant with accessibility standards forpaths. However, freezing and thawing may cause brick to buckle or“heave” causing a tripping obstruction or water ponding in the path.

Brick and concrete pavers are also susceptible to undermining by waterflows if drainage is not planned properly.

Using compacted small gravel and fines mixture as the path surface is acheap installation option but has much higher maintenance requirementsthan a continuous surface such as concrete.

For soil stabilisers and concrete, any variation in the compound mixing orcompaction may cause the product to fail.

Natural wood and plastic lumber will need to be anchored properly andplaced in a manner that combats increased spacing between the boards.Plastic lumber may be slippery when wet or iced.

Wood is a firm and stable surface initially, yet it is susceptible toenvironmental conditions. Wet weather can rot wooden planks and the hotsun makes them brittle. Even with treated wood or sealants, woodsurfaces are often subject to “heaving” in extreme seasonal temperaturechanges. These surfaces are not suitable for people with mobility andvisual impairments.


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Another option that may provide a natural feel to the trail for the visitor isrecycled plastic lumber. This lumber is made from recycled plastic, suchas milk jugs, then coloured and designed to give the look of natural wood.The initial installation of this product is quite labour intensive, howeverthe future maintenance needs are considerably lower than that of naturalwood. Again loose lumber chips provide an unsuitable surface for peoplewith mobility and visual impairment.

All surfaces are susceptible to water flows depositing fine silt on theirsurfaces if adequate drainage swales are not provided to prevent waterflowing over their surface. Water may also promote algae growth on pathsurfaces. Either of these conditions makes the surface slippery andunsuitable for people with low mobility or those using mobility aids.

Fallen leaves are another hazard for people with low mobility and walkingaids.

Slippery surfaces are also hazardous for people with low vision or hearingand for those with impaired balance.

Ordnance SurveyIf your path is new or does not appear on maps consider contactingthe ordnance Survey and providing details o your route for inclusionin the next revision map issue.

Croft Consultants

72 Ridgewood,

Cimla,

Neath,

SA11 3QG

Tel. 01639 681876

E-mail [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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