Public Use of the Coast: Access to Coastal Walking

Scotland’s People and Nature Survey 2023/24 found that 61% of people in Scotland visit the outdoors for recreation at least once a week, with 17% visiting the outdoors typically every day. 20% of all outdoor visits for recreation were to the seaside - including beaches, coasts, and cliffs (Stewart & Eccleston, 2024). 

Walking is the most popular activity undertaken at the coast, with 61% of people walking without a dog and 36% of people walking with a dog over a period of 12 months (Scottish Government, 2022). It would appear that public use of coastal paths is high, with increased use in and around coastal urban areas where this is a higher population density.

A Scottish Government study in 2019 on 'Attitudes to the Marine Environment' showed that different demographics access coastal walking differently. Age is a factor, with those aged 65 and over more likely to go walking than 16-24 year olds (68% vs 56%). Those living in rural areas are more likely to go dog walking at the coast than those living in urban areas (42% vs 28%). Sex can be a factor, with women more likely than men to engage in many marine environment activities including walking, hiking and running (66% of women vs 60% of men). Social grade also plays a part, with those in grades ABC1 more likely to go walking, hiking or running than those graded C2DE (67% vs. 59%).

An increased frequency of outdoor visits for recreation leads to stronger connection to nature, and can have positive impacts on wellbeing  (Stewart & Eccleston, 2024). 83% of people said that visiting the marine environment was good for their mental health, and 80% said it was good for their physical health (Scottish Government, 2022). 

Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils have a number of coastal walks such as the Aberdeen Coastal Trail or Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail (Aberdeen City Council, 2021 & n.d.; Aberdeenshire Council, 2024 & n.d.). There is no official published data on how many people use these paths.