County Kildare Walking Routes Project - Kildare.ie

County Kildare Walking Routes Project
EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR WALKING ROUTES
No. Walk Title
Comments
1. Nature and Characteristics of the Route:
1.1 The variety of landscapes along the route The landscape character areas for the county are defined in the
Kildare County Council County Development Plan 2005-2011.
The criteria identify the landscape character areas that the route
passes through.
1.2 The diversity of natural flora & fauna along The different habitats along the route are identified eg mixed
the route
forest, hedgerow, reed fringe, grassland, raised bog, fen etc
1.3 How the route links between villages, There is an element of public transport linking but also how the
towns and countryside
route educates walkers about the links between town, village and
countryside built heritage
1.4 The diversity of built heritage and The County Development Plan has maps of sites, monuments &
archaeology on the route
protected structures. The National Inventory of Architectural
Heritage has maps identifying built heritage. The criteria identify
those sites that are adjacent to the route.
1.5 The level of co-operation from landowners Research identifies any land access issues along the route if
along the route
present.
1.6 The existence of SACs/ NHAs along the The County Development Plan has maps of SACs/NHAs. The
route (cf with Heritage Offices/NPWS)
2. Physical Attributes of the Route:
criteria identify those sites that are adjacent to the route.
2.1 Underfoot conditions along the route Refers to type of surface eg single track grass path, gravel path,
public road verge, public road footpath,
2.2 Standard of signage, stiles, surfaces, Frequency, amount of information, visibility.
gates
2.5 Percentage of route that is tarred or on the This is to address the need to avoid roads (the limit is 20% of road
road
on Way Marked Ways).
2.6 How accessible is the route by The Bus Eireann, Iarnroad Eireann and community service
public/private transport
transport time tables of service were consulted.
2.7 Is there access to heritage sites from the Where heritage sites are within 500 metres of a route physical
walking route
and legal access was assessed
2.8 Existing local events and walking festivals Published calendars of events for the county were consulted to
identify local festivals
2.9 Suitability of the route for all levels of The distance, underfoot conditions, slope, condition of stiles,
walker
gates fences, presence of services, need for equipment are
considered
2.10 Suitability of route for disabled access Underfoot conditions, slopes, provision of ramps, facilities for
those with poor vision.
2.11 Safety of road walking sections Presence of footpaths, level & speed of traffic are assessed
2.12 Car parking available The size and safety of the facilities
2.13 Health and Safety issues recognised Signage to identify hazards, ramps, electric fencing, life saving
equipment, game shooting, military ranges, bulls, etc
2.14 Accessibility for the elderly See 2.9 and 2.10
2.15 Opportunity to provide long and short Where short loops to for example heritage sites exist they are
looped walks and spurs
identified
3. Management and Organisational Structures:
3.1 Route development, management and If there is a body that owns & manages the route it is identified
maintenance supported
3.2 Training programmes for management & See 3.1
promotion in place
3.3 Level of environmental management in Is there a published plan in place and is the impact visible on the
place
route
3.4 Level and management of maintenance of See 3.3
the route
3.5 Private sector role and involvement The level of private sector investment is assesses