The Scottish Right to Roam

There are many things about my new country of residence that I find fascinating, not the least of which is Scotland’s Statutory Access Rights, also known as the Freedom or Right to Roam. Broadly speaking, this allows people free access to the countryside for recreational purposes, regardless of who actually owns the land. Basically, if you can see it, you can probably walk over it, provided you act responsibly.

I’ll note that this is my rather loose interpretation, so for a full (and legal) overview I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Now, coming from Australia, this is unreal. Over there they have lots of national parks and public spaces, but large parts of the country are also on private property and inaccessible. By contrast, Scotland is such an amazingly beautiful country that the idea that I can walk and even camp anywhere in that beauty is mind-blowing. And I’ve found that it has completely changed the way that I think about the landscape, particularly when I’m in the car.

We’re currently living in the Scottish borders which gives us some pretty amazing scenery on our doorstep — while the Southern Uplands, as its geographically known, doesn’t have the stark and otherworldly beauty of the highlands, what it does have is an alluring mix of moorland, rolling hills and farmlands that stretch off as far as the eye can see. And particularly further north in the Tweeddale district there are some nice hills (we’d probably call them mountains in Australia but I digress) that look amazing for walking.

And I think that’s the most considerable difference — previously, I’d look at the hills in appreciation, the way you’d admire a painting. After learning of the rights to roam, however, I now find myself looking at a particularly nice ridge line and working out how to get there; where to park, which stone wall to follow, and how dense the underbrush is, what it would feel like to stand on top with the wind on my face. Although I haven’t climbed any hills yet, just knowing that I can gives me a curious sense of freedom. And it seems that every back road I explore reveals hidden places that sing to me. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stopped the car just to take in a particular view — whether it’s an imposing mountain range, a dark and mysterious forest or a vista of rolling hills that fade with blue into the horizon.

As we’re now moving fast into winter I’ll probably continue to do little more than gaze longingly, but I’ve resolved to get outside as much as I can next year and do some serious hillwalking. My daughter will be getting old enough to accompany me on some shorter walks which will be fantastic, but I also really enjoy getting out on my own — I find walking to be hugely beneficial for plotting, generating ideas, and for thinking in general.

I think it’s absolutely fantastic that Scotland has Statutory Access Rights, and speaks to me of the attitude that the people here have with the land and their appreciation of nature. And, of course, it will help me get through the winter, imagining the adventures I’ll be having when we come out the other side. And yes, I know that I can have those adventures in winter too, but give me a break — I’m acclimatising as quick as I can!

Originally published at https://darcyarmstrong.com on November 16, 2020.