Surfacing Guide for Path Projects

Our Surfacing Guide helps you choose the right material for your path project. The guide offers comparisons of different path surfacing options. It explains the suitability, benefits and limitations of different materials.

What’s in this guide:

• Information about three surface types: unbound (whin dust, ‘as dug’), semi-bound (Ultitrec®, Cedec®), and bound (tarmac, asphalt, resin).
• Explanation of the durability, maintenance needs and installation of different surfaces.
• Details of surface suitability for walking, wheelchair users, cycling or riding horses.
• Information about factors such as water drainage properties and weather resistance.
• Examples from Scotland’s National Path Demonstration Site.
• Cost estimates to help with planning.
• Technical resources including diagrams, pictures and specifications.

We updated our brand and name in June 2025 to Walking Scotland. We’re still working to update everything with our new branding. This means you might spot our previous, Paths for All, branding in places, and some links in downloads might not work as they should.

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Date published: updated January 2024

Format: PDF