Locked gate. Dunecht Estate & Barmekin Hill

[rlindsay97]

I walked this a few times last year. Walked it a few weeks ago to find a gate securely locked with those plastic ties therefore prohibiting free access. Who should I take this to? The Aberdeenshire Council?

[Paul Webster]

Yes, Aberdeenshire Council are the access authority.

There are circumstances where gates can sometimes be locked, but it's worth reporting to find out; it's good practice to allow some other means of access for people who aren't agile enough to climb over.

Can you let me know what gate you were referring to?

[GillSte]

You can also report to Mountaineering Scotland, who would give you the direct email address of Aberdeenshire's Access Officer. In my experience, the access officer will resolve things within a few days. They are very good!

[rlindsay97]

On the circular route coming down the other side of the hill you go through a gate cross an open field for a few hundred yards and come to another gate leading onto a track through woods. That second gate is the one in question.