[Talk-GB] UK rights of way coverage map

Keith Sharp kms at passback.co.uk
Thu Oct 22 01:47:18 BST 2009


On Wed, 2009-10-21 at 18:45 +0100, Brad Rogers wrote:
> On Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:40:39 +0100
> Chris Fleming <me at chrisfleming.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Chris,
> 
> > What's the story for Scotland?
> > It seems distinctly uncovered by any rights of way?
> 
> Phillip's right, there's a "right to roam" all over Scotland.  With the
> exception of areas where's there's a very good reason to stop it.
> Military land being one of the more obvious examples.  Although, of
> course, not always, even then.
> 
> In a similar manner, if a river/stream is navigable, you can  sail,
> canoe or whatever along it in Scotland.  The same can't be said of
> England & Wales, unfortunately.   :-(

For those that are interested in these things, the actual law is the
Land Reform Act:

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2003/asp_20030002_en_1

which basically says that you can go anywhere except for places that are
restricted by local bylaws such as ports, airports, MOD bases, etc.
When using this right you are required to act responsibly, as is the
land owner/manager, in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code:

http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/access/approvedcode050604.pdf

Broadly it seems to be working quite well.  There have been some
complaints from land owners, but it's not been the armageddon that many
predicted.  Most councils are now up to speed and have access officers
in place.

Keith.





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