Responsible Access is important around Aviemore to care for the Cairngorms National Park. Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the key things are to :
• take responsibility for your own actions;
• respect the interests of other people;
• care for the environment
To find out more about the code click here
Visitors with Dogs
Scotland’s outdoors is a great place for dogs and owners. Walking the dog is good for your health and quality of life… enjoy your walk but remember you and your dog share the outdoors with others. In the Cairngorms National Park different land owners have different rules on dog access so abide by any signs and use common sense respecting wild animals, birds, livestock and other people. Read more about Dog Friendly Cairngorms here.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code suggests 9 points to help you take the lead:
– Don’t take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals.
– Don’t take your dog into fields of vegetables or fruit unless you are on a clear path, such as a core path or right of way, but keep your dog to the path.
– Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals
– If you go into a field of farm animals, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep your dog on a short lead or under close control.
– If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.
– During the bird breeding season (usually April to July), keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore.
– Pick up and remove your dog’s faeces if it fouls in a public open place or where there is a risk to farming interests.
– Some reservoirs and streams are used for public water supply. If there are intakes nearby, keep your dog out of the water.
– In recreation areas and other public places, avoid causing concern to others by keeping your dog under close control.
For more information see the Scottish Outdoor Access Code’s Dog Walkers Area