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Known Access Issues

These are any access reports known to us around Scotland. Please help us to keep this list up to date: if you notice anything that is not listed here, or any incorrect information, please let us know by emailing hello@paddlescotland.org.uk or phone 01887 292040 with the details. 


If you'd like to report a problem, please do so by completing this form

Grampian and Shetland
Area covering Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Shetland and Moray.
July 27, 2023
Strainer reported on the River Spey located at NJ 34753 62207.
July 22, 2022
Hazard on River Spey - Downstream of Fochabers
River Dee Tree Hazard
By Neil Kinnerly August 24, 2021
Please be aware there is a fallen tree hazard 300m down stream of Invercauld Bridge on the Dee.
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Highlands
September 13, 2024
Location: Alness River, Nat Grid NH636727, what3words foresight.inclines.shades
March 4, 2024
River Spey - NH 84508 06533
June 15, 2023
A wild campsite used by paddlers on Loch Lochy in the Highlands has been relocated due to a proposed pumped hydro storage scheme. See map for details.
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Fife
Tayside
Area covering Perth & Kinross, Dundee and Angus.
Damage to Logie Mill Weir in Lower North Esk
July 29, 2024
The weir at Logie Mill is damaged and has exposed metal work and damaged timbers. Please cross the weir beside the left (north) bank to avoid these.
May 6, 2024
Paddle Scotland has been advised there is a tree down on the Lower South Esk near Finavon.
April 12, 2024
Two trees right across River South Esk on the left channel of the island just up stream of road bridge at Cortachy. One at head height, one on river surface.
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West
Area covering East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow.
January 5, 2023
Story Contracting - removal of debris at Clyde Viaduct (Dalmarnock)
By Neil Kinnerly October 10, 2018
The most popular access point on Loch Awe for kayakers and canoeists is Kilchurn Castle at the eastern end of the Loch. Boats are taken down the access road to the Loch and then cars left in the car park adjacent to the A85. The Castle is a managed by Historic Scotland and is listed. Recently there have been complaints that visitors to the Castle have not been able to park, which is largely due to the sheer volume of visitors which has been averaging in excess of 200 people per day. It doesn’t help if kayakers cars and trailers are taking up parking spaces for a long period of time over weekends or across the high summer holiday months. The ‘carpark’ is an access road for the landowners, Historic Scotland and the railway and access is open for people visiting the castle daily, parking is very limited for the number of visitors as it is. The landowners (with right of way to the access road) have requested that whilst they are happy for kayakers to drive along the private road to unload boats to be taken to the water, they request that excess cars and trailers be left elsewhere and have suggested that the railway station at Loch Awe has readily available parking with plenty of space and just one vehicle per group be left in the car park/access. They would just like to also hi-light that parking adjacent to the Castle on the A819 is also NOT an option due to the sheer volume of visitors at this layby as well. The land owners also emailed "We are not trying to be difficult and we appreciate that history has allowed this parking, but the castle has grown in popularity over the past few years and the parking has been tested daily. If we can all work together to enable access to the Loch and accommodate both the visitors, canoeist and kayakers this would be an ideal outcome for all."
Central
Area covering Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannan.
By Neil Kinnerly December 6, 2021
River Leny
South West
Area covering Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, Inverclyde, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Renfewshire, East Renfrewshire & North Ayrshire.
July 4, 2023
Update 21/08/2023 - all obstacles have now been removed . River Clyde - near Crossford NS831459 and Bridge at NS829460
Tree blocking the river
May 16, 2023
The obstruction on River Nith, NS 855 005, is now cleared thanks to Jonathan Riddell.
Tree across a river
January 20, 2022
UPDATE 3/5/23 - obstruction now cleared Obstruction on River Nith, NS 855 005
Lothians
Area covering West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh.
August 30, 2022
PLEASE NOTE: GLADHOUSE RESERVOIR, MIDLOTHIAN
Stand up paddlers
By Neil Kinnerly May 5, 2021
Overcrowding
By Neil Kinnerly August 21, 2020
Access to Linlithgow Loch is currently restricted due to the closure of Lowport Centre. Access is normally arranged by purchasing a permit from Lowport for £4. However, the centre is currently completely closed. Historic Environment Scotland are trying to contact Lowport Centre to discuss the issue. Linlithgow Kayak Racing and SCA have also been in touch with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to discuss this difficulty and a permit is being arranged for members of the club. SCA will continue discussions with HES to aim for access for other SCA members who may wish to access the loch.
Borders
August 30, 2023
Multiple tree blocks on the river Ettrick, near Ettrickbridge Village.
By Neil Kinnerly May 20, 2021
Gate at Fairnilee Mill - River Tweed
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