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Access and rights of way


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Access and rights of way

Last updated | 27/10/2011

Enjoying the Outdoors In Perthshire

Perthshire offers us wonderful opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors, to walk, cycle, ride and paddle down rivers or sail around lochs. However, the countryside is also home and a workplace to people and wildlife and it is important that we all understand our responsibilities and behave in a way which does not cause damage or annoyance to others.

Rights & Responsibilities

The right to take responsible non motorised access in Scotland is provided for by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.  The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been produced to explain what is meant by responsible behaviour in any situation for both the 'access taker' and the 'land manager'.
It answers questions like:

  • Where can I go to enjoy the countryside without disturbing anyone who lives or works in the countryside?
  • Do I have the right to go walk in an area which belongs to someone else?
  • Do I need to ask permission before I can ride my bike over a hill track?
  • Do I need to pay attention to notices telling me to 'keep out'?


Is all land covered?

Not all land is within access rights, exceptions include gardens, school playing fields and growing crops. 
At times there may be a special event or area where normal access rights are not appropriate, in these cases an order of exemption can be applied.Reasons for exemptions might include:  

  • Allowing a charge to be made for a particular event
  • In the interests of safety and security
  • Increasing privacy for particular events 


I am organising an event - do I need an Exemption Order?

Not all events and activities will require an exemption order.  If normal access patterns are unlikely to be impacted upon by your event, or if access can be managed by way of temporary advisory notices and diversions, you may not require an exemption order.


When do I need to apply for an exemption order?

Where an exemption order is for a period of less than 6 days the order can be processed by us and you should make your application to us at least 4 weeks before your event.  

What if it's for longer than 6 days?

Where the application relates to periods of 6 days or over we must follow a formal consultation procedure and Ministerial approval must be given to all orders. You will therefore need to submit your application to us at least 16 weeks before your event. 

How can I apply for an order of exemption?

You can download a copy of the application form by clicking on the link below. You should also read the guidance notes carefully before filling in the form.

+ Form
+ Guidance


What are we doing to improve outdoor access?

We have a Countryside Ranger Service and a small team of Access Officers all working to improve access to the countryside. There are already extensive networks of waymarked walks  in place around Perthshire. The Access Officers are working in response to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to plan a core paths network throughout Perth & Kinross. This network aims to provide good access to the countryside for everyone.