The Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is the document, approved by Parliament, which sets out how to behave responsibly in the outdoors. It provides detailed guidance on the responsibilities of both the public and land or water managers, and provides a practical guide to help everyone make informed decisions about what is best to do in everyday situations.
The Code is based on three key principles which apply equally to everyone:
- Respect the interests of other people.
Act with courtesy, consideration and awareness. If exercising access rights, make sure you respect the privacy, safety and livelihoods of those working or living in the outdoors and other people enjoying the outdoors. If you are a land manager, respect people’s use of the outdoors and their need for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Care for the environment.
If exercising access rights, look after the places you visit and leave the land as you find it. If managing land, help maintain natural and cultural heritage features that make the outdoors attractive to visit and enjoy.
- Take responsibility for your own actions.
If exercising access rights, remember the outdoors is not risk-free and act with care at all times. If you are a land manager, act with care at all times for people’s safety.
To view the Scottish Outdoor Access Code in full please click here.
To find out more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority or Scottish Natural Heritage on 01463 725000 (asking for an access advisory officer or by writing to Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW.)
For specific advice on your rights and responsibilities for a particular activity please see the links below.
Rights of Way
Scottish Rights of Way Society – Rights of Access to the Outdoors in Scotland, A Brief overview of the Law
Horse-riding
British Horse Society (Scotland) – Are you riding responsibly?
Paddling
Scottish Canoe Association – Key points of the access code for Paddllers
Dogs
Scottish Natural Heritage – Walkies! What the Scottish Outdoor Access Code means for dog owners
On-Road Cycling
The Highway Code – Rules for Cyclists
Off-Road Cycling
Scottish Cycling and Cycle Touring Club Scotland – Off-road cycling: Good practice advice
Hillwalking
‘Hillphones’ – daily information for hillwalkers about stag stalking activities
Mountaineering Council of Scotland – Enjoy the Scottish Hills Safely
Climbing
Mountaineering Council of Scotland – Crag Code
Wild Camping
Mountaineering Council of Scotland - Wild Camping
Human Sanitation in the outdoors
Mountaineering Council of Scotland – Where to 'Go'
in the great outdoors
Land Managers
National Farmers Union Scotland - Public Access to Farmland
National Farmers Union Scotland – contact Sue Hilder, Access Officer at sue.hilder@nfus.org.uk, 0131 4724107
Scottish Rural Property and Business Association – contact Anne Gray, Access Officer at anne.gray@srpba.org.uk, 0131 653 5400
