The link between high visitor numbers and upland path erosion has been established since the early 70s. As part of an MSc dissertation in Sustainable Mountain Development at The Centre for Mountain Studies, Perth College, I’m conducting a survey of hill users. The main aim of the survey is to explore hill users opinions regarding their impacts on upland paths. For example, do hill users recognise the impact they are having on upland paths? Does path erosion affect their enjoyment of the hills; do they recognise the impact path erosion can have on the landscape and surrounding habitats? The survey then goes on to test hill users understanding of how upland pathwork is funded. They are asked whether they would be willing to contribute financially towards funding upland pathwork and how they would be willing to contribute. Their opinion regarding alternatives to upland pathwork, such as closing paths to the public, is also sought.
This survey is being carried out both by face-to-face interviews at access point in the Cairngorms National Park and also via an online questionnaire. To make the results as representative as possible it is hoped that as many surveys as possible will be completed. The online survey will run until the end of August.