Planning Services
Outdoor Access Land Reform and Rights of Way
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 established a statutory right of responsible
access by the public by non-motorised means to most land and inland water for walking,
cycling, horse-riding and water based activities. Local Authorities are the main
bodies responsible for the implementation of these arrangements and the Act confers
on them a number of statutory duties and responsibilities.
The Council's main functions are to establish and support the work of the Local
Access Forum, prepare a Core Paths Plan, which will provide reasonable access throughout
the area, and to provide a central point of contact for all outdoor access issues
throughout South Ayrshire.
In addition the work of the Council also includes, identifying, developing and implementing
outdoor access routes and assisting local path groups with their projects.
Rights of Way
A public right of way is a right of passage between two public places, in favour
of the general public. A right of way can be in favour of pedestrians, cyclists,
horse-riders or motorised vehicles; the greater use includes the lesser. The Council
has a duty to assert, protect, keep open and free from obstruction any public Rights
of Way within its jurisdiction. The contact officer for any rights of way query
is: Neil Feggans
Outdoor Access
Access to South Ayrshire's outdoors extends to parks, the coast, hills, forests
and farmland. They provide great opportunities for open-air recreation, help improve
people's health and contribute to the local economy.
These pages provide information about access to the outdoors in South Ayrshire.
The aim is to tell you what your rights and responsibilities are, where you can
go and whom you can contact to obtain further information and advice.
Access to the Countryside through the identification, implementation and subsequent
extension of the network of public path schemes at Straiton, Barr, River Ayr, Girvan,
Dailly and Maybole.
Rights of Way through assertion and protection including advice on the law relating
to rights of way, handling disputes and dealing with obstructed routes
Core Paths
Core paths as the most important routes in the area, will provide a basic framework
of routes which meets community needs and minimises any potential conflict with
land management operations. They will provide opportunities for walking, cycling,
horse riding and other activities for people of all abilities. Core Paths could
include existing paths or new paths and the surface may vary from beaten earth paths,
to surfaced paths and tracks.
How can I become involved?
The Council must draw up a draft core paths plan by 9th February 2008. This plan
will largely be determined by the results from a number of public consultations
which have been held throughout South Ayrshire.