New guide to help visitors enjoy Scotland responsibly

With summer approaching, and new research revealing a third of all travellers are seeking activities in the great outdoors, VisitScotland has created a new guide to help visitors enjoy Scotland’s stunning landscapes responsibly.

10 Scottish Outdoor Access Code Tips has been translated into five languages (Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish) and gives top tips to visitors on how to behave responsibly and safely across the countryside, whether they be walking or cycling, driving or camping. It aims to aid visitors while they are planning their trip and is based on The Scottish Outdoor Access Code which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

It comes as Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Beats: Travel trends and consumer sentiment 2025 report* shows that on average 57% of travellers book activities in advance of reaching their destination (rising to 58% from France), with cultural tours/historical landmarks (38%) and outdoor activities (34%) topping the list. Gen Z and millennials are 78% more likely to book on-trip activities in advance of their trip.

With our landscape and scenery continuing to be the biggest influence for visitors to Scotland – 70% choose to travel here because of them (Scotland Visitor Survey) – it’s more important than ever to ensure visitors understand what, and what not, to do when venturing outside.

Jill Walker, Director of Marketing and Digital at VisitScotland, said: “We know our landscapes are special, and so do our visitors, which is why they continually top the list of reasons to visit Scotland. Research shows most visitors are doing much more of their trip planning and booking in advance of their journey. Our 10 Scottish Outdoor Access Code Tips aim to engage with those visitors and ensure they know how to enjoy our great outdoors responsibly and safely to everyone’s benefit.”

Bridget Jones, NatureScot Recreation and Paths Manager, said: “Scotland’s rights of responsible access have given people unparalleled opportunities to get outside and enjoy exploring our breathtaking landscapes, nature and local greenspaces for twenty years. Whether you are on a paddle board, wild swimming, walking, riding a horse or bike, or in a kayak, there are activities for everyone to experience. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has guided the introduction and use of these rights, helping the public understand their responsibilities based on mutual respect.

“At NatureScot we are committed to working with partners, landowners and communities to ensure access rights continue to thrive, and that their use helps tackle the climate emergency by promoting a deeper connection to nature while encouraging everyone to care for Scotland’s extraordinary outdoors.”

Here are five top tips for being a responsible visitor – and where to put them into action:

1. Being a responsible dog owner

Dog friendly holidays are increasing in popularity. It is estimated that one in ten visitors holiday in Scotland with a pet, which is not surprising given that our beautiful beaches and magical forests and hills present a dog walker’s paradise. So, it is vital that dog owners understand how to behave in rural areas. Whether it is disposing dog waste properly or ensuring they don’t disturb wildlife or livestock, it keeps the country stunning and helps tourism benefit all.

Looking for dog friendly accommodation:

• Kilcamb Lodge Hotel, Highlands Located on the shore of Loch Sunart, the Highland’s longest sea loch (31 km), the luxury hideaway was a previous winner of the UK’s Best Pet-Friendly Hotel and is surrounded by 22 acres of natural private meadow, mountains and woodland.

• Cringletie House Hotel, Scottish Borders The historic 28-acre estate in Peebles is the perfect base to explore the Scottish Borders – just a stone’s throw from Glentress forest – and with a Walled Garden and nature trail on its doorstep, you don’t have to go far to take in the natural surroundings.

2. Make sure to give way when cycling

Scotland is made for cycling. Whether it be our cycle paths, major cycle routes or, for the more adventurous, our mountain bike trails, there is something for everyone seeking to explore on two wheels – but be a considerate cyclist. Narrow routes can often cause congestion so be on the lookout for passers-by, including walkers and horse riders, and be careful of the surrounding wildlife and livestock.

Looking for cycle routes:

• Round the Inner Forth Embark on a two-day cycling adventure that skirts along the coastline of the inner Forth Estuary, taking in Forth Valley, West Lothian and Fife. Highlights include Blackness Castle, the Forth Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque village of Culross, and the National Wallace Monument.

• Hebridean Way Cycling Route Following part of the National Cycle Network Route 780, this long-distance route spans the length of the enchanting Outer Hebrides islands (approximately 185 miles) and along the way you could find yourself taking detours to the white sand beaches, standing stones and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.

3. Parking sensibly

While we encourage visitors to explore Scotland using sustainable travel, for most, driving is the most popular mode of transport to discover our country. Therefore, if you want to head into the countryside you need to plan ahead – have an alternative plan if car parking is unavailable or full – and ensure, wherever you go, you are a considerate driver, and park responsibly; don’t block any entrances to fields or buildings, or narrow roads. Many scenic places offer a base for visitors to leave their car and make the remainder of their journey on foot or by bicycle.

Looking to take your car:

• St Cyrus Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire This coastal reserve in the north-east has an abundance of wildlife all year round. In the summer, visitors can spot meadow pipit, stonechat and skylark, while the winter brings waders, ducks, geese and swans. You might even spy a peregrine falcon overhead. There is a visitor centre plus a car park which includes cycle parking, EV charging and chemical waste disposal for camper vans.

• RSPB Loch Leven, Perth and Kinross Set on the southern shore of the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve, there are plenty of trails to explore at this RSPB reserve, including the Wetland Trail with bird hides, a steep woodland hill trail and an accessible, gentle Leafy Loop walk. The reserve also features a visitor centre with café, while the car park has EV charging points.

4. Protecting cultural heritage sites

Scotland’s history and heritage are a huge draw for visitors, with major historical films and TV shows like Braveheart, Brave, and Outlander stoking that global interest. From standing stones to castle ruins, many of our historical sites in rural parts offer visitors the chance to roam around freely. It’s important, then, that visitors take care when exploring these ancient sites. Remember to leave it as you find it and do not move, disturb, damage or deface any stones, walls, structures or other features.

Looking for standing stones:

• Kilmartin Glen, Argyll and Bute The area around Kilmartin Glen near Oban on the west coast has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments, including standing stones, for you to get up close to history.

• Machrie Moor Standing Stones, Isle of Arran These standing stones in Arran (the island is now a UNESCO Global Geopark) are part of a dramatic moorland rich in archaeological history. Dating back to between 3,500 and 1,500 BC, one of the circles is named “Fingal’s Cauldron Seat”, after the mythical giant, Fionn Mac Cumhail – try and spot the hole where he tied up his dog, Bran.

5. Keeping safe along riverbanks and loch shores

Research shows that being near water can have positive health benefits. With more than 30,000 freshwater lochs, and river walks for all abilities, there are many ways you can experience water wellness in Scotland. Be mindful, though, of the local wildlife when you are out along the riverbanks – and watch out for anglers in popular fishing spots casting a line. Some lochs or reservoirs are used intensively as commercial fisheries and can be potentially dangerous where a lot of anglers are casting a line in a small area.

Looking for river walks:

• River Almond, West Lothian Flowing from the Cant Hills near Kirk of Shotts for 50 km to the Firth of Forth at Cramond, the river tells tales of Scotland’s industrial heritage, with a chance to spot weirs and the remains of mills along its route.

• River Dee, Dumfries and Galloway Not to get confused with the Aberdeenshire river of the same name, this River Dee moves downhill from the Galloway Hills through the wide bays of Loch Ken. Its journey passes through The Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright.

For the full list of top tips: 10 Scottish Outdoor Access Code Tips | VisitScotland

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Image caption: Kirkcudbright Bridge over the River Dee. credit: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

*Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Beats: Travel trends and consumer sentiment 2025 gathers insight from a survey of people (aged 18-75) from Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom.

Scotland Visitor Survey: https://www.visitscotland.org/research-insights/about-our-visitors/visitor-survey