Eastern Cairngorms Access Project ECAP

An ideal visitor destination for active pursuits

Aberdeenshire Council has been supporting projects to develop and improve access provision in Upper Deeside since 1997. The majority of the funding is to support the Upper Deeside Access Trust (UDAT).

UDAT is a charitable organisation with a Directorship made up of representatives from Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and Balmoral Estate.

In 2003, the key partners Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council and UDAT put a funding package of £2.4 million together with a further 11 funding bodies including European Objective 2 and Heritage Lottery Funding

The funding is enabling the Eastern Cairngorms Access Project to carry out a programme of high quality access improvements within the mountains, glens and settlements of Angus and Upper Deeside, supported by a broad marketing and promotion campaign and better information for visitors.

Who manages the Eastern Cairngorms Access Project ?

The project is steered by a coordination team comprising members of the partnership funding bodies including:

Aberdeenshire Council, Angus Council, the Upper Deeside Access Trust, Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Scottish Natural Heritage, Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board, Angus and Dundee Tourist Board and the Cairngorms National Park.

What are the objectives of the ECAP Project ?

• to develop a programme of sensitive repairs to some of the most popular and damaged hill paths including Lochnagar, Mount Keen, Jock’s Road and Loch Brandy
• to develop path networks within and between the glens through outstanding pinewood, birchwood and river scenery, including Glen Clova and Glen Prosen
• to develop low ground community path networks, including circular walks, cycle routes and all-abilities paths at Aboyne, Crathie, Brechin and Kirriemuir and other settlements across the area
• to create, upgrade and sign rural car parks and picnic areas at a number of access points in the glens
• to develop information guides and interpretive map boards at key access points and the development of a website for visitors
• to market and promote to improve knowledge and awareness of the area, including direct marketing material to target sectors, branded information guides, an exhibition programme and a media campaign

Where can you get information about walks and activities in the Eastern Cairngorms?

• Eastern Cairngorms Access Project about what to do in the area
• Upper Deeside Access Trust