Advice for Different Activities

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.

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?
British Horse Society (Scotland) – Dung Guidance

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 - www.nfus.org.uk
National Farmers Union Scotland - Public Access and Land Management

Scottish Rural Property and Business Association – contact Anne Gray, Access Officer at anne.gray@srpba.org.uk, 0131 653 5400