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Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance manifesto

Active in the Outdoors: for health, economy and environment

24 September 2025 

The Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance (SORA) is a coalition of the nation's main outdoor recreation organisations - representing activities which include walking, climbing, snow-sports touring, cycling, paddling and horse-riding.

Ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, together we have published detailed proposals, urging Scotland's political parties to include the following commitment in their 2026 manifestos:  

Scotland is blessed with iconic landscapes and much-loved green spaces. We also lead the world in legal rights for people to access and enjoy those outdoor spaces. However, many of our paths to the countryside and nature need to be restored, opened up and signposted so everyone can benefit. That is why we will introduce an ambitious “Paths into Nature” programme 2026-31, backed by a £50 million Scottish Paths Fund, to improve the quality, accessibility and visibility of our paths in outdoor spaces.

In summary, the specific policies we want delivered via a Paths into Nature programme are:

  • A single Scottish Paths Fund of £50 million to cover the period 2026-2031 
  • The new Scottish Government to work with the UK Government to ensure core paths are shown on OS maps
  • New guidance to access authorities on how to fulfil their legal role 
  • An expanded access role for NatureScot including education and promotion and overseeing Scotland’s Great Trails 
  • An Outdoor Access for All initiative to help the most disadvantaged groups enjoy the benefits and joy of outdoor recreation. 

Pound for pound, there are few policy choices which are so popular and which deliver such public benefit as the programme outlined above.

Up to 80% of people in Scotland enjoy the activities which our organisations champion. These activities are popular and resonant with voters and critical to the nation’s health, mental wellbeing, environment and a sustainable visitor economy.

Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance Manifesto includes Ramblers Scotland, Mountaineering Scotland, Cycling UK in Scotland, Paddle Scotland, British Horse Society Scotland, ScotWays (Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society) and Scottish Sports Association.

Please email us to discuss this manifesto with any members of the alliance in more detail.

You can download the full manifesto here:
 
A group of six Ramblers walking along a narrow track across moorland

A simple guide to Scottish access rights

How to enjoy Scotland’s world-class access rights, while following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

A speaker talking to a group about walking in Scotland

Walking Scotland’s rural economy to a healthier future

Ramblers Scotland has been responding to local authority consultations on proposals for visitor levies, perhaps more commonly known as a ‘tourist tax’.

Four walkers consulting phones in an urban setting.

Ramblers Scotland’s Community Outreach Project

We are breaking down barriers by leading inspiring walks with refugees, asylum seekers and people from Global Majority communities.

group of walkers near scottish mountain

How do paths work in Scotland?

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