A total of 21 core paths around Aberdeen are to be improved in the next three financial years which will help to encourage people to be healthy and ensure sustainable access for all.
Aberdeen City Council’s Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee this week agreed the upgrades to the routes which will be paid for from bus lane enforcement fines. The Aberdeen City Core Path network consists of 100 paths of about 241km of active travel and leisure routes.
It follows on from improvements to other core paths in the last few years including Murcar Beach, River Don to city centre, Brimmond Hill, Hazlehead Golf Course, Hazlehead to Gairnhill Wood, Anderson Drive to Den Wood via Craigiebuckler, Hazledene Road to Countesswells Road, Den of Cults (North) and Coastal Path South.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The core paths are an excellent network throughout the city. They go through many beautiful areas which are great places to go for a walk.
“The Council’s further investment in core paths will ensure they are kept in good condition for everyone to use.”
Committee vice convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “Everyone knows the health benefits of walking as much as we can so the Core Paths Network can help with that.
“Even in the winter months, it can be good to get out for a walk so we are pleased that there will be further improvements to these important core paths.”
The list of core paths pencilled in for improvements includes Kincorth Hill, River Don Path - Dyce to Bridge of Don, Rosehill Drive to Don Terrace via Stewart Park, university to beach via Linksfield and Broad Hill, River Don to city centre, Manor Avenue to Eric Hendrie Park, Coastal Path South, Kincorth to Loirston Loch, Lochside/Denm ore Woods to Perwinnes Moss, Kingswells to Howes Road, Deveron Road to Gillahill Croft, Kincorth Hill to Stonehaven Road, Sheddocksley to Kingswells, Auchmill Golf Course, Westburn Park, King George VI Bridge, Manor Avenue to Auchmill Road, Deeside Way, Cove Road, Bon Accord Crescent Gardens, and Hazledene Road to Countesswells Road.
The report to committee said investment in core paths can include multiple interventions in order to improve accessibility and encourage more people to become active for their physical and mental wellbeing.
Projects can include path surface and width upgrades, signage/interpretation, seating, removing barriers to access, and green infrastructure/planting. All of these elements combine to make the path network easier and more appealing to use.
Specific details for the core paths projects will be fully scoped and costed and reported back to Committee in 2026. Factors such cost which include both design and build elements, landownership, match funding, and planning considerations, will affect the core paths which are improved.
The report said some or all of the 21 prioritised core paths may be completed within the three years. If completed early, a new set of priorities will be developed and proposed.