Off roading in Scotland?

[LittleSkink]

Living in the edge of the Peaks I am abundently aware of the need to choose my routes carefully and stick to appropriate bridleways

We are off to Scotland for a biking holiday and I wanted to clarify what the accepted practice was north of the border. I know for canoeing and walking the rules are much more relaxed. Part of our planning includes "proper" biking centres like Kirroughtree but specifically I wanted to be clear if we can explore more "off the beaten track" places like this:
http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/kilsture-forest

 

[jimo746]

Re:

I don't see that being a problem, generally in Scotland things are a little more relaxed than in England, gone are the days when I used to get farmers chasing after me, or unleashing the hounds in my general direction

The link you posted looks fine, I wouldn't think twice about cycling there, I didn't see anything specific to cycling, but it does mention that the routes are popular with horse riders, so there should be no issues there.

 

[greencat]

Admittedly it was 20 years ago, but basically I rode anywhere I found a vague path when in Scotland without any hassle.

 

[LittleSkink]

so the reason I cant find any Footpaths or Bridleways on my OS maps for Scotland is because the Scots believe in freedom (cue scene from Braveheart!)

 

[ajm]

Other than private gardens and fields planted with crops, you can basically go wherever you like in Scotland using any form of non-motorised transport. Obviously you will want to take care not to upset livestock or damage fences etc but the basic rule is that you can go where you like if you're not causing any damage.

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Get the proper lowdown here.

http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/P ... ic/cycling

But basically in Scotland you have a right to responsible access.

 

[danson67]

Re:

The Scottish enlightened and forward-looking RoW setup is brilliant.

Here in England and Wales we're stuck with the product of the whims of Parish councillors in the '50s, backed up by the NIMBY self-protectionism of the likes of the Ramblers' Association and CPRE.
Such a pity us bridlepath users even lost out when the right to roam was introduced...

All the best,