Recent changes in footpath width in the cairngorms

Abstract Five popular footpaths which grew wider from the 1960s to the early to mid‐1980s were re‐measured in July 1990. Two did not widen further during 1986–90, but two continued to widen. The fifth path had not changed significantly in overall width since 1982, but had slightly less bare ground than formerly. The two paths which stopped widening are at lower and more sheltered locations, whereas the other three are high and exposed to an extreme climate, where plant growth is very slow. Changes in the five paths are discussed in relation to human use of the area. A substantial and/or prolonged decline in visitor numbers may be required if all five paths are to stop widening.