Risks, rights and duties
Risks, Rights and Duties
When you travel on the routes identified on this website you are entirely
responsible for your own safety and convenience. Where warned we publicise
known dangers but otherwise there is no formal risk assessment or regular
inspection of the routes recommended. And we may even have made mistakes.
You must be willing to accept this situation if you go on these routes.
It is very important that, before setting out, you read Scottish Outdoor
Access Code which lays down your rights and responsibilities. http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/
Even if you are an experienced walker you should take extra advice on
preparation and safety in Scotland. A good example is provided in Walk
Highlands at https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/safety/ but there are many
others. In particular you should be aware that mobile phone signal
strengths vary so you should take extra precautions if you are travelling
alone or on a particularly lonely section. An extra precaution can be as
simple as simply telling a friend where you are going and agreeing to “call
in“ at a set time or when possible.
Deer flourish in highland and other remote areas – this mainly applies to
parts of St Columba’s Way from Iona to St Andrews –and that population
needs to be controlled to avoid destruction of habitat and death by
starvation. Deerstalking – the picking-off of deer with a rifle – is an
important part of rural management which takes place all year round, and
walkers should be careful to avoid disrupting these activities.
Furthermore, walkers – particularly parents with children – should remember that the chance of being hit by a careless shot or ricochetting bullet in these vast wilderness areas is minute.
For a very simple guide for those with smartphones are strongly recommend
you to visit the Digital Mapping section of British Pilgrimage. This
explains how you can use your smartphone for navigation, with some useful warnings.
It is important to be aware that signal strengths vary along the pilgrimage
routes, from very strong to nothing at all. This means that, particularly
for those travelling alone, if you get into trouble you may not be able to
phone for help. So think of making special arrangements, tell others where
you are going , have a regular system for keeping in touch etc.
The organisers shall not be liable for any accident or injury, however
caused. If you are concerned about financial loss through accident or
injury you should consider personal accident insurance cover. Persons under
the age of 16 and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a responsible
adult.
Our Recommendations. In some cases, recommendations have been made for
accommodation. These are on the advice of others and are not a guarantee of
quality. The organisers of the Way of St Andrews cannot accept
responsibility for any disappointing experience, however caused. There are
many other websites which you can consult on accommodation. We are always
grateful to hear of your experiences of accommodation along the route and
welcome fresh recommendations.
We hope this has been helpful. It is very important that you read and
understand this section before setting off.