Outdoor Access

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives people recognised access rights to most land and inland water in Scotland. These rights relate to the following:

• walking
• cycling (including mountain biking)
• horse riding
• canoeing and kayaking
• access taken by mobility scooters or similar vehicles adapted people with mobility problems

With rights come responsibilities and details on both can be found in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).  This covers both access-takers and managers of land over which access is taken.

Specific SOAC guidance on individual activities and areas can be found on the Scottish Outdoor Access website and selecting the Practical Guide for All section. There you'll find advice for outdoor activities ranging from walking your dog to visiting the beach and how you should treat crops in fields.

Get more help with access needs

These organisations provide more detailed guidance on their particular types of access, including where to go:

• Scottish Canoe Association
• British Horse Society
• Mountaineering Council of Scotland
• Forestry and Land Scotland
• Ramblers Scotland

You may also be interested in:

• Adopt-a-Path and environmental volunteering
• Clyde Walkway
• Core Paths
• South Lanarkshire Outdoor Access Forum
• Walking, cycling and horse riding routes
• Whitelee Wind Farm Outdoor Pursuits
• Get Walking Lanarkshire health walks