Right of way in Scotland

[Guest weenantie]

Someone was asking about the right of way in Scotland....now I have lost the question and who asked it....hope this helps where Scotland is concerned.Scotland has a long-standing tradition of access to moor and mountain. This tradition is shortly to be enshrined in new legislation providing for a right of access to most land, exercised responsibly. During the main shooting seasons, hill walkers may be asked to respect reasonable restrictions. Please follow local advice so that future walkers can continue to enjoy the freedom of the hills we have today.

 

The main shooting seasons are for red deer (mid-August to 20 October) and grouse (12 August to 10 December). In important hill areas a Hillphones system has been set up, with a recorded message, updated daily, giving shooting information and which hills are affected. Details of the Hillphones service can be obtained from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

 

There is free access at all times of the year to areas owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and also to most land owned by the Forestry Commission. These areas are marked 'NTS' or 'FC' on Ordnance Survey maps.

 

In livestock areas, always keep dogs on a lead. Do not take dogs into sheep-farming areas during the lambing season (March-May), nor into fields where there are cows with young calves, as the cows are very protective and will often turn on a dog.

 

There is access along routes which are recognised as rights of way in Scotland at all times. Many of these routes are signposted by the Scottish Rights of Way Society's distinctive metal signs, and the Society also publishes rights of way maps covering some hill areas. There are good low-level walk networks in many areas; information from Tourist Information Centres.

 

Walking Safely