Going outdoors?

 

A quick guide to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Scotland's outdoors are a great place to enjoy and everyone has new access rights that provide better opportunities for us to enjoy the outdoors.  These rights come with responsibilities, not only for those enjoying the outdoors but also for landowners, farmers and others who work on the land.  This guide tells you about your rights and responsibilities.

 

You can exercise your access rights, at any time of day or night, over much of Scotland, from urban parks and path networks to our hills and forests, and from farmland to our beaches, lochs and rivers.  Remember that access rights don't apply everywhere, such as in buildings or their immediate surroundings (such as houses and gardens), or if you trample crops or cause other damage.

 

Access rights cover many activities, ranging from:

 

• walking to mountaineering;

• picnicking to horse riding;

• canoeing to hang gliding; and from

• outdoor education to simply going from one place to another.

 

 

Remember that your access rights don't apply to hunting, shooting, fishing or any kind of motorised activity (unless for disabled access).

 

Know the Code before you go… You only have access rights if you exercise them responsibly - the Scottish Outdoor Access Code tells you about this.  The key thing is to use your common sense - what does this mean?

 

 

1. Take responsibility for you own actions - The outdoors is a great place to enjoy but it's also a place of work.  Respect the needs of other people, act safely and follow any reasonable advice provided in leaflets or on signs.

2. Respect people's privacy and peace of mind  - Privacy is important for everyone. Keep a reasonable distance from houses and private gardens, and if possible use paths or tracks. Avoid causing alarm to people living there, especially at night.

3. Help landowners, farmers and others to work safely and effectively - Keep a safe distance from any work and watch for signs that tell you dangerous activities are being carried out, such as tree felling or crop spraying. You can also help by:

• looking for alternative routes before entering a field with animals

• not feeding animals;

• leaving gates as you find them;

• not damaging fences or walls; and by

• avoiding damage to crops by using paths and tracks, by using the margins of the field, or by going over ground that hasn't been planted.