Rights of way in Scotland
Encyclopedia
In Scotland
a right of way is defined as any defined route over which the public has been able to pass unhindered for at least 20 years. The route must link two "public places", such as villages, churches or roads. Unlike in England and Wales there is no obligation on Scottish local authorities
to signpost or mark a right of way. However the charity Scotways, formed in 1845 to protect rights of ways, records and signs the routes.
There is no legal distinction between footpath
s and bridleways in Scotland, though it is generally accepted that cyclists and horseriders may follow rights of way with suitable surfaces.
The Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 established a general presumption of access to all land in Scotland, making the existence of rights of way less important in terms of access to land in Scotland. Certain categories of land are excluded from this presumption of open access such as railway land, airfields and private gardens.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
a right of way is defined as any defined route over which the public has been able to pass unhindered for at least 20 years. The route must link two "public places", such as villages, churches or roads. Unlike in England and Wales there is no obligation on Scottish local authorities
Local government of Scotland
Local government in Scotland is organised through 32 unitary authorities designated as Councils which consist of councillors elected every four years by registered voters in each of the council areas....
to signpost or mark a right of way. However the charity Scotways, formed in 1845 to protect rights of ways, records and signs the routes.
There is no legal distinction between footpath
Footpath
A Footpath is a thoroughfare intended for by pedestrians but not by motorized vehicles. The term is often for paths within an urban area that offer shorter quieter routes for pedestrians, they may also provide access to the surrounding countryside or parks...
s and bridleways in Scotland, though it is generally accepted that cyclists and horseriders may follow rights of way with suitable surfaces.
The Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 established a general presumption of access to all land in Scotland, making the existence of rights of way less important in terms of access to land in Scotland. Certain categories of land are excluded from this presumption of open access such as railway land, airfields and private gardens.