National Access Forum guidance documents
The National Access Forum has produced several guidance documents on a range of topics.
Over recent years the National Access Forum has produced several guidance documents, on a range of topics where more detailed advice was needed.
The National Access Forum produces supporting guidance on a range of outdoor access related topics, primarily to help with managing access where more detailed advice is needed.
The work of producing the guidance is a collaboration between NatureScot and the NAF often with sub-group help. This ensures input from a range of relevant people and interests to reach a consensus on practical advice. The guidance is approved by the NAF and kept under review.
The National Access Forum guidance:
- A brief guide to laws relevant to outdoor access in Scotland (April 2026)
- Memorandum of Understanding – The use of private level crossings (PLCs) for non-motorised public access in Scotland (February 2026)
- Local Access Forums – A guide to good practice (updated June 2025)
- Guidance - Open fires and BBQs in the outdoors (June 2025)
- Deer stalking and public access - Guidance on stalking communication (updated June 2025)
- E-bike guidance (April 2025)
- Guidance on managing public access in areas of wildlife sensitivity in Scotland (April 2024)
- Guidance on Roads and Access Legislation in Scotland (September 2022)
- Guidance Note on the Use of Mediation for Access (November 2020)
- Unauthorised Mountain Bike Trails - a guide for land managers and riders (November 2018)
- Outdoor events in Scotland - Guidance for organisers and land managers (updated June 2017)
- Managing camping with tents in Scotland (updated February 2021)
- Guidance on commercial access to the outdoors in Scotland - local management (March 2014)
- Signs relating to access and locked gates - Summary messages on good practice (May 2012)
Other contributory guidance documents include:
- Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Division (SGRPID) position on access, field margins and agri-environment funding (June 2026)
- Guidance on foraging in Scotland (June 2025)
- Good Practice during Windfarm Construction (NatureScot) (July 2024) - see Part 8 on 'Recreation and Access'
- Electric fences and public access on moorland (updated July 2012)
Legal opinions on matters relating to access rights:
- Opinion - conservation measures v the right to roam (March 2026)
- Opinion - drones and access rights (March 2026)
- Opinion - promotion of access routes and landowner liability (May 2024)
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