Looking after your health and safety at Whitelee Windfarm:
1. Always plan your trip in advance.
When visiting Whitelee we ask that you follow some simple guidelines to ensure your trip is an enjoyable as possible.
As an elevated, exposed site covering a large area, weather conditions can vary greatly and quickly. Make sure you know an accurate weather forecast and that you do not plan to enter the site under adverse conditions. View our detailed weather guidance.
The scale of the windfarm is often not appreciated and the distance between turbines can be vast. Take care to plan your route in advance and ensure you are physically able to undertake and complete it.
It’s also a good idea to let someone know your route and expected completion time.
Finally, we ask that you only use the turbine trails during your visit and avoid accessing the open moorland or areas of blanket bog. Large areas of very wet or soft ground are present and open ditches and drainage channels are common, many of which are hidden by vegetation. Visitors are asked to be aware of these hazards if venturing off surfaced routes. Equestrian users in particular should be aware of the presence of soft ground and hidden ditches.
2. Be prepared for your visit
We ask all visitors to collect a map from the Visitor Centre before heading out and to ensure they are prepared. When out on site and venturing past the mountain bike trails, there are no shelters so be prepared to face the elements if the weather turns.
Clothing: Warm, waterproof and if possible windproof clothing is recommended for all visitors, including gloves and a hat.
Shoes: We recommend sturdy footwear onsite to provide good ankle support and a firm grip. Our trails are forestry-commission grade compound and can have loose areas and pot holes.
Equipment: We recommend that you collect a map from the Visitor Centre before venturing out on site. It is also a good idea for visitors to make sure they carry a compass, sun cream, a water bottle for hydration, a torch, a whistle and a first aid kit.
Food: Make sure you bring some snacks with you if exploring the site. High energy food like dried fruit, energy bars and chocolate are a good idea.
Visitors might find this equipment checklist for hill walking a useful guide.
3. Know what to do in an emergency
Whitelee Windfarm is a bit like a national park; a large, open, natural area for you to explore that is not staffed. Mobile phone reception varies across the site and cannot be relied upon.
If you do experience difficulty whilst on the windfarm, please locate your position using the map and nearest turbine (all turbines on site are numbered on their towers and are also numbered on the maps provided by the Visitor Centre) and call the required emergency services.
4. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Did you know that Part One of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone statutory access rights to most land and inland water in Scotland? These rights must be exercised responsibly by respecting people’s privacy, safety and livelihoods, and Scotland’s environment.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides detailed guidance on the responsibilities of those exercising their access rights, and of those managing land and water over which these rights may be exercised. The Code is based on three key principles and these apply equally to the public and to land managers. When visiting Whitelee we ask that you follow these:
- Be considerate and aware
- Take responsibility for your own actions and act safely
- Respect people’s privacy and peace of mind
- Care for your environment, take your litter home and don’t disturb wildlife
- Be responsible with open fires, use a stove if possible
- Do not disrupt on-going land management operations and leave all gates as you find them
- Pay attention to any temporary restrictions or diversions indicated
More information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is available here