diff --git a/redbot/core/core_commands.py b/redbot/core/core_commands.py
index e1043f405..813eb722f 100644
--- a/redbot/core/core_commands.py
+++ b/redbot/core/core_commands.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import itertools
 import json
 import logging
 import os
+import pathlib
 import sys
 import tarfile
 import traceback
@@ -1166,6 +1167,12 @@ class Core(commands.Cog, CoreLogic):
     @checks.is_owner()
     async def backup(self, ctx: commands.Context, *, backup_path: str = None):
         """Creates a backup of all data for the instance."""
+        if backup_path:
+            path = pathlib.Path(backup_path)
+            if not (path.exists() and path.is_dir()):
+                return await ctx.send(
+                    _("That path doesn't seem to exist.  Please provide a valid path.")
+                )
         from redbot.core.data_manager import basic_config, instance_name
         from redbot.core.drivers.red_json import JSON