About Us

The Paths for All Partnership was set up to facilitate the development of paths for recreation, health and well-being, strengthening communities, sustainable transport and economic development. The Partnership’s Vision (PDF) provides more information on the ethos of the organisation.

The Partnership currently comprises 20 partner organisations representing relevant public sector and national representative bodies. A Board of nine Directors guides the work of the Partnership. Board Papers are available to download from the website.

There are two main areas of activity - Outdoor Access and Paths to Health.

The Outdoor Access and Paths to Health teams are here to help and offer advice. Development Officers cover specific areas across Scotland to support and encourage local authorities and other partners to plan and develop path networks and health walks aimed at meeting local needs. Direct support, advice and regional training events are offered to communities across the Highlands and Islands through the Community Support Project.

The work of the Outdoor Access team involves:

• Advocating the benefits of path networks
• Offering support and advice on all aspects of path creation, management and promotion
• Supporting the recruitment and training of access officers
• Encouraging the development and implementation of Local Access Forums, Outdoor Access Strategies and Core Paths Plans
• Working with local access groups and encouraging community involvement
• Guiding implementation of practical work on the ground

The work of the Paths to Health team involves:

• Offering grant support, advice, training and volunteer support on all aspects of walking for health
• Facilitating the Paths to Health Advisory Panel and providing support to national organisations to contribute to walking for health
• Offering support to workplaces through grant provision, Walk Leader training and pedometer support materials
• Promotion of the Primary Care Pedometer Pack across NHS settings
• Supporting national and regional networking and communication tools
• Supporting local walking schemes to evaluate their projects and contributing to national evaluation on walking for health.

For Paths for All Partnership staff contact details, click here

The Partnership is currently supported by:

• Big Lottery
• British Heart Foundation
• Centre for Healthy Working Lives
• NHS Health Scotland
• First Scotrail
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• The Scottish Government