Outdoor Access in Scotland

Outdoor access in Scotland has never been more important.  More and more people are taking to the paths around them for recreation, transport and health.  Whether it's walking to school, taking a stroll with the dog or getting out and about in our beautiful landscape, paths play a fundamental role in our lives. 

The demand for paths is well documented.  For example, the government's nature conservation adviser, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), estimate that around 200 million visits to the countryside are made each year for informal recreation.  And as we all try to live healthier lifestyles, the demand for paths can only increase. 

Scotland also has ground breaking access legislation in the shape of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act which was passed in 2003.  Our right of responsible access is enshrined in law, a legal triumph that has been admired the world over.  The Land Reform Act has also brought in the process of core paths planning.  This has involved local authorities and the 2 national park authorities (known collectively as access authorities) maping networks of paths around and within settlements. Information on core paths plans can be found on your local council website or on the SNH website.  

The Scottish Government has set strategic objectives that include creating a healthier and a greener Scotland.  Creating, maintaining and enhancing paths can help contribute to these objectives.  There's also a cycling action plan for Scotland which aims to boost the numbers of people cycling.  Elsewhere, SNH has a specific policy to promote paths and encourage their use, particularly by new users. 

There’s no doubt that public finances are tighter than ever these days.  But wherever you look, outdoor access in Scotland is rising up the agenda and the more that local people promote and develop their own access projects, the greater the chance of seeing progress on the ground. So now's the time to be inspired and take action in your own communities.