Outdoor Access – your rights, our path network

Orkney is popular for walking, cycling and horse-riding for both local residents and visitors, whether taking a stroll in town, visiting a heritage site or a site of natural interest.

People have a right of responsible access to most open land and inland water under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights or managing land and water.

Core paths plan

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 Orkney Islands Council had a duty to produce a Core Paths Plan. This plan now provides a path network that gives people reasonable access to the countryside and, in the towns, contributes to active travel routes.

Public Rights of Way

Rights of way usually come into existence over decades of use and are often historic access routes that can have existed for centuries. Rights of way can also be protected.