Technical access advice

A wide range of guidance is available on all aspects of designing and constructing outdoor access infrastructure, and monitoring its use.

Paths and tracks

The publications below help guide you through the different stages of route planning, material selection, and construction techniques.

• Lowland Path Construction Guide   
• Upland Path Management Guide
• Upland Path Construction Guide
• Constructed Tracks in the Uplands 
• Path Bridges    

The Paths and Climate Change publication highlights the potential implications of climate change on the planning, design, construction and management of paths in Scotland.

Access furniture and structures

The Access Design Guide  gives advice and technical drawings for the construction of gaps, gates, stiles, steps, fences, boardwalks and seats. These give full consideration to all abilities access.

Signs

Signage Guidance for Outdoor Access    includes detailed specifications for construction and installation. Produced in partnership with Paths for All Partnership, it represents the culmination of 2 years of research and consultation with access professionals.

You can find further advice on how to communicate with access users, including the wording of signs under Managing access and recreation

Monitoring access

The Visitor Monitoring Manual    provides practical advice on developing a visitor monitoring strategy including identifying information needs, selecting methods, designing and carrying out surveys, analysing and interpreting results.

The Path Benefits Toolkit     gives a step-by-step process to assess the social, environmental and economic benefits of a path network.

The Advice on Monitoring Access  is to help site managers plan and carry out monitoring of recreational activities at nature reserves and similar sites.

The Management for People Manual has a section on monitoring.

Sharing best practice

The Scottish Access Technical Information Network (SATIN) has  launched a web service and is looking for new members to share knowledge and experience on technical information. Membership is free - to sign up visit the SATIN website   and find out about events, join discussion groups about popular topics and share views.