Technical access advice

SATIN Online

The Scottish Access Technical Information Network (SATIN) has recently 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 website   and find out about events, join discussion groups about popular topics and share views. There is also the opportunity to forward technical information or information about events for inclusion on the site.

A wide range of technical guidance is also available on the design and construction of paths and other access infrastructure. 

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 
• Automatic Counters Fact Sheet 

Access furniture and structures

The Access Design Guide  gives advice and technical drawings for the construction of gaps and barriers, 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  includes a section on monitoring.