Access and rights of way
Last updated | 23/05/2008
Welcome to Perthshire's countryside
These pages provide information about access to the countryside in Perthshire. They aim to tell you
- What your rights and responsibilities are while enjoying the outdoors
- Where you can most easily enjoy the countryside
- Who you can contact to get further information and advice
- How you can get involved in countryside activities
- Details of any current exemption orders under the Land Reform (Scotland) 2003 Act can also be found on this page
What are our rights and responsibilities?
Our rights and responsibilites raise a number of questions
- 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 to walking 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'?
Can you tell me about the Countryside Access Code?
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'.
I've heard about the Land Reform Act what is it?
On 9 February 2005 new legislation giving a statutory right of responsible non-motorised access came into force in Scotland. The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 will make it easier for all of us to get out and enjoy the outdoors. 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.
Is all land covered?
Not all land is within access rights and where there is an agreed need to exempt an area from access rights for a period, an order of exemption can be applied for.
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.
In what circumstances might exemptions be made?
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
When do I need to apply?
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
Where can I get more information?
Before you go any further please take a look at the Scottish outdoor access website where you will find all the information you need to enjoy the outdoors.
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 now working in response to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 to plan a core paths network throughout Perth & Kinross. This network will aim to provide good access to the countryside for everyone.
