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Land Reform

What is it?

This is a complete change to what existed before and while Bryce, in his first attempt at increasing access in 1884, wanted a right to walk on “… uncultivated mountain or moor lands in Scotland … for recreation or scientific or artistic study …” the new act applies to all non-motorised transport. And it is a legal right.

It is a historic piece of legislation giving everyone the right to cross land and to be on land (including inland waters, canals and the foreshore) for:

• recreational purposes

• the purposes of carrying on a relevant educational activity

• the purpose of carrying on, commercially or for profit, an activity which the person could carry on otherwise than commercially or for profit.

Who does it apply to?

‘Everyone’ includes not just walkers but cyclists, horseriders, canoeists, paragliders, potholers and others. It does not include any motorised forms of transport with the exception of motorised wheelchairs.