Access to the countryside in Highland
You have the right to access most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation, education and some other activities. This is called the right of responsible access.
What responsible access means
You can walk, cycle, ride a horse, paddle or camp on most land and water, as long as you do so responsibly.
You must:
- respect the interests of other people
- care for the environment
- take responsibility for your own actions
These are the 3 key principles of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Where access rights apply
Access rights apply to most land and inland water, including:
- hills and mountains
- forests and woods
- rivers, lochs and reservoirs
- beaches and the coast
- farmland (when not growing crops)
They do not apply to:
- private gardens
- land with growing crops
- school grounds
- buildings and their immediate surroundings
Access in the Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park Authority is responsible for access rights in the park area. They promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and manage local access issues.
Find out more about access in the Cairngorms
Outdoor Highlands
We provide information on paths and access opportunities across Highland through Outdoor Highlands.
You can find:
- long distance walking routes
- local paths and trails
- contact details for countryside rangers and access officers