Scottish Canoe Association - Paddlers’ Access Code

As paddlers, your main responsibilities are to: 

• Care for the environment
• Take responsibility for your own actions
• Respect the interests of other people. 

These key principles apply equally to paddlers, anglers, other water users and land managers; in fact everyone who either works or takes recreation in the outdoors should follow them. If you follow these key principles and apply a healthy dose of common sense then you shouldn’t go far wrong.

A little forethought before paddling can ensure that you can get to and from the water without compromising the interests of others. 

Respect people’s privacy by keeping a sensible distance from houses and private gardens. It’s also important to be discreet when changing or going to the toilet. If you are wild camping choose a spot well away from roads and buildings and be sure to remove all trace of your camp. Check the SCA website for our advice on wild camping and human sanitation.

Help landowners and farmers to work safely and effectively by thinking about your options when crossing land. Leave any gates as you find them and be careful not to damage fences or walls. Check for alternatives before entering fields with animals. Avoid causing damage in fields with crops by following the edge of the field or any paths, tracks or tractor tramlines. Watch for signs highlighting hazards and follow any reasonable guidance. 

Drive and park carefully, particularly in rural areas. Remember that the boats on your roof let everyone know you are paddlers and it is easy for the actions of a few to give everyone a bad name. Access rights only apply to non-motorised activities so don’t drive or park on private roads without permission.

Access rights apply to most land and inland water such as rivers, lochs, canals and reservoirs. It is important to think about your actions and respect other people’s rights and interests when paddling. Friendly communication can go a long way to understanding each others’ position and avoiding problems developing. 

• Respect the needs of anglers by avoiding pools they are fishing in. When close to anglers keep as quiet as possible and avoid unnecessary splashing. 
• Care for the environment and strive not to damage or disturb animals, vegetation or man made structures; especially during sensitive times of year (see SCA website). Don’t pollute the water. You can help care for the environment by leaving the outdoors cleaner than you found it and reporting any pollution or suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. 
• Make sure the water you plan to paddle on is appropriate for your activity and the numbers involved.

Keep an eye out for anglers. If you see someone fishing, think about how you can best pass them with the least disturbance. Whenever possible, stop upstream and attract the angler’s attention before passing. If they have a line in the water, wait for a signal to proceed and then follow any route indicated if safe and practicable to do so. An angler should point to the side they wish you to pass by on. Anglers wading in the water may want you to paddle behind them.

If anglers are present, keep a safe distance to avoid interfering with their activity. If the water forms part of an intensively used commercial fishery always speak to the land manager before going on the water.

Our coastline provides valuable habitat for nesting birds and other wildlife. Take extra care to avoid causing damage or disturbance and follow the guidance in the SCA’s Sea Kayaking Guide to Good Environmental Practice.

On canals be aware of other traffic and give way to motorised craft. Remember access rights do not apply to passage through locks and lifts. On some canals, access is managed and you may be required to register your activity with the operator. Follow any regulations or local guidance.

For your own safety, avoid going close to water intake points, spillways or other hydro infrastructure. “Stay clear stay safe”. Remember that water levels can change quickly and without warning, and the tow can be stronger than you think when the water level is high.

Access Authorities (Local and National Park Authorities) have a responsibility to uphold access rights. If you feel you are challenged unreasonably, or otherwise prevented or discouraged from enjoying your access rights, you should report it to the SCA Access Officer who will take the issue up with the relevant local authority or national park Access Officer.

Land managers should respect access rights in their day to day work. Sometimes for health and safety or animal welfare reasons they may have to lock gates or suggest alternative routes around areas of work. Co-operating with reasonable requests helps land managers to work safely. Those who manage water are asked to instruct anglers to respect access rights and allow canoes to pass at the earliest opportunities.