Walkers are being asked to unite to challenge attempts to close Glen Lyon hills this autumn. Ramblers Scotland has today launched a petition to challenge a Perthshire estate’s controversial 2-month ban on walkers accessing 4 popular Munros in Glen Lyon.
North Chesthill Estate, owned by Alastair Riddell, last year erected signs stating: “No Walking. We Are Stalking. September to October.” The move sparked public outcry, national media coverage and criticism in the Scottish Parliament.
But now, the estate’s website is once again advising people to “walk elsewhere” from 1 September until the end of October. Ramblers Scotland says this is at odds with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Its new petition at ramblers.org.uk/glenlyon is also backed by the Walkhighlands and national walking charity, ScotWays.
Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “North Chesthill’s blanket 2-month ban unfairly affects local walkers, visitors and tourism businesses. After decades of complaints at these fantastic Munros, enough is enough.
“I urge everyone who values Scotland’s world-class outdoor access rights to stand up for them, by signing our petition. We must send a clear message: that access to nature is a right, not a luxury.”
The stalking estate claims it needs to impose the unusual blanket ban to help it meet government deer cull targets. However, official guidance to deer estates warns that “signs MUST NOT be used to deter people from exercising their access rights.”
Mr Paddy added: “Nothing in Scotland’s access laws allow the unilateral closure of an entire estate for 2 months for deer stalking.
“Other estates across Scotland prove that stalking and responsible public access can go hand-in-hand. So why not North Chesthill?”
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says that, on specific days and in specific locations, deer-stalking estates can advise walkers to use alternative nearby routes. It does not allow for an entire 2,600-hectare estate to be declared off limits for 8-9 weeks.
Walkers have raised access concerns about North Chesthill for many years, including reporting locked gates and signs that discourage people from visiting the 4 Munros north of Invervar: Càrn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Càrn Mairg and Creag Mhòr.
Although most concerns arise during the stalking season, the estate also publishes unusual guidance at other times of year. This includes telling hillwalkers to:
- Stay on ridges between May and July
- Walk only the main route in a clockwise direction throughout the year,
- Leave the hills by 7pm.
Ramblers Scotland is also concerned that the estate’s website says it no longer has time to respond individually to walkers using the Heading for the Scottish Hills process, which enables people to contact estates in advance to minimise disruption during stalking.
Walkhighlands’ route guide for these hills says: “A long history of access issues and problems… has given these Munros the reputation of being the least friendly in Scotland for hillwalkers.” A 2014 survey by Mountaineering Scotland recorded more than 600 reports of access problems in the area.
Across Britain, the Ramblers’ Access Denied campaign is calling on governments and local authorities to take action to ensure that access to nature is a reality in every community.
Sign the Glen Lyon petition here.