As many people will know, access to most land in Scotland is readily available. It is formalised by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act. To enjoy the benefits of this legislation all you have to do is make sure you behave responsibly. Within the act the word "responsible" has broad scope . Until tried and tested in the courts will remain open to interpretation. You can learn more here
Outside the purpose built mountain bike centres we will be on mixed use trails. These may be forest fire roads, estate tracks, ancient drove roads or footpaths that have been there for hundreds of years. If ridden in the same manner as trail centres access is unlikely to be regarded as responsible.
Excess speed and heavy braking are neither safe nor environmentally sound. While speed is thrilling it's a danger to others as well as to us. Aye, the latter is all part of the fun and injuring ourselves is a risk you may well accept. However, a broken rider at a busy riding centre is a different proposition from the same scenario on a remote hillside. Not only are the stakes higher for the injured party but there's a huge responsibility placed on the remainder of any group.
On the hardened purpose built surfaces at the riding centres skidding and brake gouging are massive headaches for those in charge of trail repair. In wilderness riding doing either deliberately is completely unacceptable.
Even if caused by accident, any scar or groove left by heavy braking will be exploited by rainwater run off and result in greatly accelerated erosion. To avoid this we must ride gently and never any faster that we can stop without locking wheels up. This will also mean other trail users will be safer. Sure, that will be a good deal slower than what we all get up to at the bike parks but stop and think why you're there. To trash it because your ego tells you you can go a wee bit faster is pretty selfish.
Regardless of any legislation access and enjoyment of the wilder places remains a privilege. Conscious appreciation of that privilege can only enhance any experience.
Mountain biking is an adventure sport with associated risks. It is the responsibilty of all riders to be fully conversant with the risks to themselves and the risks to others. The activity also has impact on the land. This impact not only extends to wear and tear on trails but also how it affects on agriculture and ecology. You must at all times be mindful of these factors. Any route suggested should only be accessed within the provisions of the Land Reform Scotland Act and conform to the concept of responsible access within the terms of that act . See http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/default.asp?nPageID=12&nSubContentID=0 for more info and guidance. No route published by Mountainbike Scotland should be undertaken without adherance to all of the foregoing.
