'Access and experience' is a key element for ocean literacy in terms of how (or how not) the public uses the coast and the ocean, and their experiences whilst they were there (Marine Conservation Society, n.d.). Who is accessing the coast for walking and how they access the coast can influence the Scottish publics knowledge and understanding of the ocean, therefore impacting on local and national ocean literacy.

Walking is the most popular activity undertaken at the coast according to a Scottish Government survey in 2022, with 61% of people walking without a dog and 36% of people walking with a dog over the previous 12 months. 

Spending time at the coast and in the marine environment can have positive impacts on wellbeing. 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. In addition, 55% of respondents said it was a good opportunity for spending time with others (Scottish Government, 2022). 

A Scottish Government study in 2019 shows 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%).

There are inequalities in who can access coastal walking and how they access coastal walking, for example those with a disability or health condition or those living in more deprived areas are less likely to access the coast (Scottish Government, 2023). As individual ocean literacy can be informed by access and experience at the coast, this means that if that access is not equal then ocean literacy across Scotland will not be equal.