Enjoying Scotland’s Great Outdoors

Scotland’s stunning landscapes offer endless opportunities for adventure, from the rolling hills of Perthshire to the dramatic coastlines of Angus and Fife.

One of the wonderful things about Scotland is our “right to roam” tradition, now formally protected by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

As you plan your adventures from our doorstep here in Blairgowrie, we’ve put together this friendly guide to help you make the most of Scotland’s magnificent outdoors while preserving it for generations to come.

What is the Scottish Outdoor Access Code?

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides practical guidance on how we can all respectfully enjoy Scotland’s outdoors. Rather than a list of strict rules, it’s built around three simple principles that make exploring Scotland a pleasure for everyone:

• Respect the interests of others
• Care for the environment
• Take responsibility for your own actions

Respecting Local Communities and Landowners

When exploring the beautiful countryside around Blairgowrie, you may cross land that’s someone’s home, workplace, or livelihood. Here’s how to enjoy your adventure while being considerate:

• Keep a respectful distance from houses and gardens
• Use gates and stiles where available, leaving them as you found them
• If you encounter farm animals, give them plenty of space and keep dogs under proper control
• During lambing season (spring) or ground-nesting bird season (April-July), consider taking alternative routes

Caring for Our Beautiful Environment

Spring in Perthshire brings carpets of snowdrops, wild garlic, and later, magnificent bluebells. Preserving this natural beauty is simple when we all follow some basic considerations:

• Take your litter home or use appropriate bins
• Leave no trace of your visit—from picnic remains to camping spots
• Be careful with fires and BBQs; always ensure they’re fully extinguished
• When possible, use established paths to prevent erosion and protect plant life

Responsible Dog Ownership in the Countryside

Dogs love countryside adventures as much as we do! If your four-legged friend is joining you:

• Keep them under proper control, especially near farm animals and wildlife
• Pick up and dispose of waste properly, even in rural areas
• During ground-nesting bird season or near farm animals, consider using a lead

Enjoying the Highland Games Season

Remember, the Highland Games season begins soon! When attending these iconic events, the Access Code still applies:

• Follow event organisers’ guidance
• Respect temporary restrictions around event areas
• Leave the grounds as you found them

Resources for Your Adventures

Before setting off to explore the magnificent landscapes of Perthshire, Angus, and Fife, our reception team would be delighted to provide you with local walking maps and advice on responsible access. We also recommend downloading the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for handy reference during your adventures.

The beauty of Scotland’s outdoors is there for everyone to enjoy.

By following these simple principles, we can all ensure these treasured landscapes remain pristine for locals, visitors, and wildlife alike. From all of us here at the hotel, we wish you wonderful adventures in our magnificent Scottish countryside!