Rural Payments and Services

This item is for the construction of a semi-bound (e.g. Toptrec) surface path.

Your Woods In and Around Towns Operational Plan and map must detail the width and length of the path. If the width is going to vary then this must be shown on the map so that the total square metres can be verified.

If the ground is hard and well drained, construct a ‘full tray’ path:

• strip turf and store for finishing off
• dig out a rectangular section ‘full tray’ to at least 100 millimetres
  - fill with minimum 100 millimetre depth Type 1 granular sub-base, compacted / rolled
  - add surfacing of up to 100 millimetres of recycled materials (e.g. Toptrec)
  - roll together and flatten using specialist machinery to solidify and bind the surface
  - relay turf along path verge

If the ground is soft or poorly drained, construct a 'half-tray' with geotextile path:

• strip turf and store for finishing off
• dig out at least 50 millimetre deep, and use arisings to build edging
• line with geotextile; also line with geogrid if ground is very soft or wet
• fill with minimum 100 millimetre depth Type 1 granular sub-base, compacted / rolled
  - add surfacing of up to 100 millimetres of recycled materials (e.g. Toptrec)
  - roll together and flatten using specialist machinery to solidify and bind the surface
  - relay turf along path verge

The path width will normally be 1.8 metres.

Depending on anticipated levels of user numbers and two-way traffic of mixed user types, narrower or greater widths may be acceptable within a range (1.2 metres minimum width to three metres maximum width). Payment will be adjusted for width pro-rata on the square metre basis. Please supply justification for widths in the range of 1.2 metres to three metres.

You must meet the detailed requirements of the Countryside for All path construction standards.

Please ensure you abide by conditions set out in the Forestry Grant Scheme claim form and guidance.

Paths for All – Lowland Paths Guide

Scottish Natural Heritage – Technical Access Advice

A Good Practice Guide to Disabled People’s Access in the Countryside – Fieldfare Trust

Click 'Download this page' to create a printer-friendly version of this guidance that you can save or print out.