Access In Scotland

Access rights to the countryside are slightly different in Scotland to the rest of the UK. Basically you have the right to be on most land if you act responsibly. The actual law behind this is set out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 with the detail on how it works outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The code sets out the basic principles which should be followed by walkers:

• Respect the interests of other people: Be considerate, respect privacy and livelihoods, and the needs of those enjoying the outdoors. This includes keeping your dog under proper control.
• Care for the Environment: Look after the places you visit and enjoy. Care for wildlife and historic sites.
• Take responsibility for your own actions: The outdoors cannot be made risk-free for people exercising access rights; land managers should act with care for people’s safety.

You have the right to access most moorland, mountain, woods and forest, grassland, the margins of fields in which crops are being grown, the coast, paths and tracks and most parks and open spaces. The main restrictions apply to:

• houses and gardens, and non-residential buildings and associated land, including farmyards.
• land in which crops are grown.
• land next to schools and used by schools, sports grounds when in use
• golf courses - you can cross golf courses (not the actual green) provided you don't interfere with any games of golf.
• airfields, railways, quarries, and visitor attractions where you pay a fee.

Access rights do not extend to anyone responsible for a dog which is not under proper control. This means keeping your dog on a lead, or tight control at heel, where there is livestock. In areas likely to have ground nesting birds keep your dog on a short lead between April and July. Keep your dog out of the water if streams and rivers are likely to feed reservoirs or private water supplies.

Camping - you have the right to wild camp. This is defined as lightweight camping in small numbers and only for 2 or 3 nights in one place. It does not include the right to camp at the roadside. No sign of your campspot should be left behind.

Shooting and deer stalking - responsible access includes not disturbing shooting parties and respecting other land users. Grouse shooting takes place between 12 August and 10 December with most of the shooting taking place in the first half of the season. Avoid crossing land on grouse moors when a shoot is taking place and consider any advice about alternative routes at this time. Deer stalking is extensive in many parts of the Highlands. The actual stalking season is from 1 July to 20 October (with most stalking from August onwards) but deer culling can take place at any time of year. if you are planning high level routes on deer estates during the stalking season find out whether there are any restrictions by using the Hillphone service. In addition many estates post notices about their stalking dates and which routes they would prefer walkers to take. Stalking does not normally take place on Sundays.