Stalking information on Walkhighlands for new season

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Helen Webster

As Scotland’s deer stalking season gets into full swing, the web-based service to avoid conflict between walkers and stalkers has been relaunched. Scottish Natural Heritage’s ‘Heading for the Scottish Hills’ website allows walkers to check ahead for details of possible deer stalking taking place on estates where they plan to go walking. Walkhighlands has once again teamed up with the service to put the latest stalking info onto our individual walking routes. This year Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has worked with partners including Mountaineering Scotland and the Association of Deer Management Groups to create a more user-friendly service, which has…

Posted in Access issues, Magazine, News, Walkhighlands news

Walking now worth £1.26 billion to Scottish economy

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Helen Webster

Whether it’s wandering on one of 26 long-distance routes or bagging one of the country’s 282 impressive Munros, Scotland is renowned for its memorable walking opportunities with new figures revealing the market generates up to £1.26 billion to the Scottish economy. The research by VisitScotland found that in 2015, 4 million trips by visitors from the UK included walking as an activity, with figures broken down into short walks and long walks. The latter increased by almost a fifth (18%) on the previous year. To celebrate the country’s walking routes, VisitScotland has created a special video offering an exclusive bird’s…

Posted in News, Walkhighlands news

Kinrara gates in Cairngorms National Park re-opened

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Cairngorms National Park Authority and the owners of Kinrara Estate have reported that following positive discussions, newly installed gates on estate driveways will remain open. Kinrara Estate has confirmed to the authority that the gates had not been operated as they had intended when they authorised their installation and the intention was never to restrict access but rather to regulate access given concerns of anti-social behaviour and other issues. The CNPA had been investigating a potential contravention of section 14 (1) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 on Kinrara Estate after it was reported that three new electronic…

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Mountaineers call for Upland Strategy

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Helen Webster

Mountaineering Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to implement the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report ‘Scoping a strategic vision for the uplands’ explores the potential of developing an overarching upland strategy, which would involve a wide range of interest groups and organisations. Following an extensive consultation, it includes a number of broad recommendations that could inform the development of a strategic vision if Scottish ministers decide to go ahead with it. Mountaineering Scotland, which has previously called for such a strategy, has endorsed the SNH report, urging ministers to embrace its recommendations. David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Mountaineering Scotland,…

Posted in Access issues, Nature

Hillwalkers needed to Adopt a Path

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Mountains and The People project led by Scottish footpath charity the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland is looking for dedicated hillwalkers to adopt a favourite upland path in the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond National Parks. The Adopt a Path scheme allows those most passionate about Scotland’s mountains to become custodians of their favourite hill paths, conserving fragile upland landscapes by reporting on erosion damage or potential path issues and allowing maintenance tasks to be targeted to best effect. There are paths available for adoption across both of Scotland’s National Parks; Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the…

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Review: Mammut MTR 201-II Max Low Trail Shoe

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Helen Webster

Whilst these lightweight low-cut shoes are firmly aimed at trail runners – and ultra long distance ones at that – I’m always looking for comfortable and robust footwear that enables me to discard my heavier shoes and boots for summer Scottish routes. As with all footwear, fit is key. These were instantly very comfortable on my wide feet with no pinch points, the toe box is reasonably wide with plenty of give in the mesh uppers, they may be slightly on the short side as I fit a UK size 6 when a 5.5 is usually my choice (men’s version…

Posted in Footwear, Gear reviews, Magazine

Highland estate limits access to famous “Whisky Trail”

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Helen Webster

Ramblers Scotland is calling on a Highland landowner to immediately remove new locked gates that are blocking public access to their estate, and the Speyside Way that runs through it. Three electronic gates were recently installed at the beautiful Kinrara Estate south of Aviemore – preventing walkers, cyclists and horse-riders from accessing the popular Speyside Way, also known as ‘The Whisky Trail’. Under Scottish law, there is an obligation on people who own and manage land to ensure that public access is facilitated where access rights apply. Thousands of people use the Speyside Way each year, bringing many economic benefits…

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JMT seeks Engagement Officer for Sandwood Bay

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Helen Webster

Conservation charity, the John Muir Trust is seeking to recruit someone to improve the visitor experience and level of engagement of visitors and locals with Sandwood Bay. The Trust says it is looking for an excellent communicator with experience of working with communities, volunteers and young people and contract management experience. The main responsibilities of the 18 month contract will be to plan and deliver; a promotion and marketing programme for local business in relation to the bay and the North Coast 500; a training programme for students, volunteers, schools and visitors, and a refurbishment programme for the Sandwood Bay…

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Corran Ferry grounded for ‘forseeable future’

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Helen Webster

The Highland Council-run Corran Ferry service across Loch Linnhe has been suspended since the boat struck rocks on Saturday. The council has said it is looking to ‘find a solution’ but that the ferry is suspended for the ‘forseeable future’ according to the BBC. The back up boat – the Mail of Coul – is also unavailable, currently moored on Bute awaiting a repair. The ferry offers the fastest access from the south Ardgour, Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula – popular tourism destinations currently at the height of their season – as well as for local residents and businesses. Update:…

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New poll shows importance of wild places to Scottish tourism

Posted on July 16, 2017 by Helen Webster

New research released by one of the UK’s leading conservation charities has highlighted the potential benefits for Scotland’s tourism industry of protecting the country’s unique Wild Land Areas from industrial-scale development. A survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of the John Muir Trust reveals that the majority of Scottish adults – 55 per cent – are “less likely” to visit scenic areas in Scotland if they contain large scale infrastructure, like commercial wind farms, electricity transmission and super-quarries. Just three per cent said they were “more likely” to visit such areas, while 26 per cent said that the existence…

Posted in Nature