Outdoor access and paths

Dumfries and Galloway offers lots of ways to access and enjoy the outdoors.

Local paths

A number of routes in our region have been designated as Core Paths under the legislation provided in The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. A path having Core Path status places no additional duties on our Council but provides us with the powers to do anything considered appropriate to maintain the path, keep it free from obstruction or encroachment and to provide the public with directions through signage and promotion.

Rights of Way

Rights of Way play an important role in outdoor access throughout Scotland. The council has a duty to investigate alleged rights of way and to ensure that they are free from obstruction.

Be responsible

Everyone has the right to be on most land or inland water for recreation, education and moving from place to place, provided they act responsibly. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on exercising access rights in a responsible way.

Outdoor Access Forum

The Dumfries and Galloway Outdoor Access Forum is a statutory body that advises the Council and others on matters relating to out-door access. The Forum is made up of individuals representing land management, community interests, recreational users and public agencies.

Minutes of its meetings can be found here:

Page last updated: 02/08/2022
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