In Scotland, we are lucky enough not only to have breathtaking scenery on our doorstep, but also to have the ‘right to roam’ (Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003). This essentially means anyone has the right to explore most open spaces in Scotland as they please. This is markedly different from the laws in other countries such as England, where walking, hiking, and camping are only permitted within ‘open access land’. In Northern Ireland, it can be difficult to find permissible routes reaching hills and mountains at all.
However, when so many wonderful walking trails are publicly available, is necessary to ensure we are walking in a responsible manner. Below is a list of tips we have compiled for you to consider when you’re out and about! If we want these spaces to stay beautiful, we must put in the work.
1. Watch your litter
The most visible and therefore most obvious way in which we can preserve open spaces is by not leaving rubbish behind us. Not only does this mean making sure wrappers and bottles are disposed of responsibly, but also biodegradable waste like banana peels and bread crusts. You may think that, since this waste is natural, it is not litter. However, biodegradables can actually hugely interfere with local flora and fauna, and they don’t degrade overnight! It is always best to throw your rubbish in a bin. If you can, it is even better to keep your rubbish with you and dispose of it at home. Litter bins on trails can be few and far between, and often can become full. It goes without saying that we would best avoid overflowing bins!
2. Do not disturb
On a similar note, it is always best to leave the surrounding environment just as you found it. Gathering souvenirs like pebbles and pinecones might seem innocuous enough, but they are a vital part of the ecosystem and can be important sources of food or habitat. Pictures are far more eco-friendly!
A hot topic on this subject is that of rock cairns. For a few years now, the trend of building rock cairns (small piles of stacked rocks, typically in a somewhat pyramidal arrangement) has been a big hit on social media. The Instagrammable quality of these photos mean a global trend has taken hold. What could be an innocent activity if limited to a few stacks has since turned into a topic of debate. Generally, though, experts say to leave the stones where they are, lest you disturb bugs and bacteria who have made them their homes. While it may seem strange - “how much damage could moving a few rocks really do?” - it is important to realise that, if everyone starts doing it, stone stacking can become a real problem.
3. Pick the right time
Some trails have busier seasons and times than others. Keeping an eye on when trails are more likely to be quieter can really help preserve the natural environment. Things that can affect your decision can be the season’s affect on wildlife, hunting seasons, or national holidays meaning more people are off work. Bye-laws can also play a part in when you can or can’t visit a place, such as the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Camping Management Zones.
Additionally, picking a quieter time reduces overcrowding on a trail. Overcrowding can lead to ‘braiding’ - the process of hikers using the edge of the path rather than the middle. This leads to path erosion and walkers pressing into the landscape in unplanned ways. Walking outside of busy seasons saves the landscape from the stress of managing too many people, but also lets you enjoy it in peace!
4. Use sustainable equipment
As anyone who has seen debates over fast fashion will realise, using ethically-sourced and well-made clothes and equipment also helps the environment. It is easy to reduce waste if you invest in items that truly last. The waste produced by fast fashion is truly astounding - Greenpeace estimates that “around 300,000 tonnes of used clothes are burned or buried in landfill each year”. Buying ethically - and even better, secondhand - is incredibly good for your carbon footprint.
And it doesn’t just end with clothes! Consider taking public transport or car-pooling to walking destinations. Borrow your equipment rather than buying at all. The world is moving increasingly towards sustainability and natural ingredients, so there are plenty of sustainable snacks, tents, walking boots, and even suncream. Every little bit we do to waste less helps our planet.
5. Leave no trace…
All of this is to say that, overall, the goal is to leave no trace. To walk responsibly, you simply have to remain conscious of your surroundings and be considerate of their care. There is no better way to leave no trace than to respect the environment around you at all times.
