RoW and access to Scottish sites

Scotland 35

Image by GLADMAN

thesweetcheat Jan 27, 2011 20:51:21

This is a stupid question from an uneducated Englishman, but is access to the countryside (and sites) as free and open in Scotland as it appears to be from my reading of the relevant Scottish law?

As someone who is used to having to (largely) stick to footpaths, etc or at best "Access Land" down south, I was fairly tentative when we visited Scotland last autumn about going onto farmland with no obvious rights of way. As we are intending to go back again before long, I would really like to know if it really is okay to go where you want (subject to respecting the privacy of houses and gardens, etc). Does anyone have trouble because of this?

For example, when we went to Clava, we noticed that the sign boards indicated that some of the other (non-state maintained) sites in the vicinity did not have public access, which rather contradicted my understanding of the law and made me even less sure about what was what.

Any advice gratefully received.

wideford Jan 27, 2011 20:58:28

Replying to thesweetcheat

stick to the edges of fields and don't go into ones with animals, especially when there are young e.g. lambing time

GLADMAN Jan 27, 2011 21:12:38

Replying to thesweetcheat

Must admit I don't take much notice of the law in Scotland. There has always been a theoretical freedom to roam, but sites are often so isolated I always ask at the nearest farm house if the vibe doesn't seem quite right - if practical, of course. Never been turned down yet and have got quite a few great insights with speaking to the owners... particularly on the west coast.

My advice would be.. if the site is near habitation, ask out of courtesy. If not, go have a look and be very friendly and co-operative should someone turn up.

thesweetcheat Jan 27, 2011 21:45:23

Replying to thesweetcheat

Many thanks all of you, some very sensible advice and it's cleared up my uncertainties, cheers.

drewbhoy Jan 27, 2011 22:00:28

Replying to thesweetcheat

Nobody has ever stopped me, if I come across anybody and they ask I tell them what I'm up to. In fact on several occasions landowners have driven me to the site and normally they are glad of a piece of info concerning history. Had a good one today tho, in the shop at Glenkindie (Strathdon)and overheard the lady in front of me say, to the shop owner, 'at big lanky cheel, the idiot who waks aboot in the sna, he's back, his he got nithing better ti dee' When she turned round she got the shock of her life. Excellent fun!

(Pubs, in particular, those in Strathdee and Strathdon most recently for me, remote places up beside Summerlands and Strathie are excellent places for info especially if there are local story teller nights. e.g. The Doric Festival, Garioch Festival etc etc..............................most Scots are friendly regardless were they come from.)

tiompan Jan 27, 2011 22:34:09

Replying to thesweetcheat

There were restrictions in the past , the code has cleared some things up but it doesn't mean you cn go where you like when you like . Some estates get round keeping you off by only allowing access to certain tracks for months of the year ,often April to August . This is to protect ground nesting birds , strange that it is the same estates that also shoot ground nesting birds . Another recent development is miles of electric fences with limited access points , not too difficult to get over or under , if you are willing , but many will be put off . As in the past most hillwalkers accept keeping out the way during the stalking season or at least enquiring if it is ok to go on the hill .

strathspey Jan 27, 2011 22:37:54

Replying to thesweetcheat

Important to remember the time of year too.

You really dont want to be yomping through the heather on the 13th of August, OS map in hand, focused on a distant cairn when all hell lets loose - you find yourself in the firing line of a butt full of toffs, attempting to annihilate a flight of red grouse!!

Its not the risk of a back-side full of buck shot thats the concern - its the wrath and verbal foulness of their lackies (keepers, beaters and their equally smelly hounds) which is a wee bit alarming. The "gillie-mentality" is alive and well in the Highlands!!

A bit tongue in cheek - but based on fact! (I was 12 at the time!!!!)

Howburn Digger Jan 28, 2011 15:07:22

Replying to thesweetcheat

thesweetcheat wrote:

This is a stupid question from an uneducated Englishman, but is access to the countryside (and sites) as free and open in Scotland as it appears to be from my reading of the relevant Scottish law?

Any advice gratefully received.

This is not "a stupid question from an uneducated englishman" but a well thought out enquiry from one of my southern neighbours.

Yes. Feel free. The right to roam is enshrined in Scots Law. Common sense prevailing of course, regarding gates, dangerous livestock, people's gardens, crops, the shooting season etc. Use your head and common sense. Ask if in doubt.

The "public access" at Clava I would imagine applies to the monuments under the guardianship of Historic Scotland where paths and signage are provided. On other sites nearby - on land outwith HS's guardianship - you have "the right to roam" on and access... but there may be no paths... or there might be a bull in the field... an oilseed rape field in full bloom... a grouse shoot in progress. You just have to be responsible and considerate.

The reality is.. go where you wish... wander at will... be responsible... dont leave litter... close gates... feel free

http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/

I hope this helps. Enjoy your next visit. Fill your boots!