Outdoor access
Outdoor access in Scotland refers to the legal rights you have to access most land and inland water in Scotland for recreation, travel and learning. This right includes using core paths, rights of way, local routes and open spaces in and around towns, villages and the countryside.
Outdoor access offers many benefits, including recreation, healthy exercise, greener travel options that reduce car use, and support for tourism and local economies.
Enjoy Fife’s countryside
We welcome you to explore and enjoy Fife’s countryside. Before you head out, take a moment to read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
This Code provides guidance on the rights and responsibilities of the public, land managers and landowners in using and managing outdoor access. Summaries of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is also available in different languages.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust have put together guidance about accessing and managing common landscapes in Fife, and how to do so responsibly through following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Your rights and responsibilities
Fife’s outdoor environment is highly diverse and offers many opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives the public the right of responsible access to most land and inland water in Scotland. So long as you behave responsibly, you can engage in a wide array of non-motorised activities, including walking, cycling, horse riding, and non-motorised water sports.
Whilst access rights apply to a large range of landscapes, there are activities you cannot partake in under access rights and landscapes that are exempt.
Areas exempt from access rights
Section 6 of the Land Reform Act holds information about areas that are exempt from access rights. Some areas where access rights do not apply include:
- houses and gardens
- schools and school playing fields
- enclosures for plant or fixed machinery, such as construction sites and quarries
- visitor attractions with admission fees
- fields with crops growing in them, although you may use the margins
- sports or playing fields that are in use where exercising rights would interfere with the sport
- prepared surfaces such as lawn tennis courts, bowling greens and golf greens.
- Areas with bylaws or exemption orders for temporary closures
Activities excluded from access rights
- anyone responsible for a dog or other animal that is not under proper control, including not picking up after their dog
- motorised activities, such as quad bikes or motocross bikes (the exception to this is people with a disability using a vehicle or vessel adapted for their use)
- hunting, shooting or fishing
- anyone taking away anything from the land for commercial purposes
Exploring Fife’s outdoors
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are responsible for looking after the outdoor areas of Fife. For further information about places to visit, visit the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust website.
Popular long-distance routes for local people and visitors include the Fife Pilgrim Way and the Fife Coastal Path.
