[Mickey]

Hi,
We are looking at a smallholding that has a core path running a few feet from the front door. The vendor tells me that the core path is used by horse riders and walkers but is not busy.  Whilst we viewed the house we saw just one horse ridden past and that didn't cause any problem.

Apparently the core path was at one time used by horse and carts and is now similar to a bridlepath in England. We are likely to have a few german Shepherd dogs roaming about the place so will need to take care of that but can anyone answer a couple of questions please? 

• The vendor says that no motor vehicles may use the core path but we noted that the vendor does use the path to gain access to the property in his own vehicle, is that likely to be a permitted use?
• Are we right to assume that despite the presence of the core path, walkers could still choose to ignore that path and walk over the land of the property (22 acres including an 8 acre woodland).  We don't actually have a problem with that, just wondering where our liabilities for the public may stretch.

Lastly, the owners told me that they receive a small grant of about £325 a year, I can't remember exactly why but it was called similar to ELSA and may go in the near future.

Thanks for any advice,
Mickey

[farmvet]

http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
This site has most of the information. 
Basically. yes, riders walkers etc can choose to go on the core path or take a different route through or round your fields. The access taker is responsible for their actions & the risks associated with being outdoors eg twisting an ankle on rutted ground; but you could be liable if eg a wooden bridge on your path was dangerous.

Its also worth talking to some other locals ( not just the vender) to see how many people use the area for walking dogs etc. Also for wild camping. Access rights extend to camping too & some sites are now very popular & listed on internet & books. This was intended to be backpackers etc passing through but is frequently noisy drinking groups staying on site for a few days.

Core paths are still owned by the landowner so you can drive on it if you choose. Access rights do not include motorised vehicles so motorbikes etc could only use it with your permission.

[Womble]

^ What he said! 

[Mickey]

Thanks for those replies, very helpful.