Early September until 20th October is the busiest time of year for red deer stag shooting (stalking) across many of Scotland’s hills and mountains. NatureScot is encouraging hill-goers to check stalking information using their Heading for the Scottish Hills service to plan their visits; this information is also shown on Walkhighlands route descriptions during this key period. The Heading for the Scottish Hills service, part of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website, helps people find out where deer stalking is taking place before they head out. Alongside Walkhighlands and estate websites, the service advises where and when stalking happens on…

Following the devastating wildfire around Glenmore and Abernethy Forest, some access restrictions still remain in place. Public roads are now open. The exceptions are the road from Glenmore up to Cairngorm Mountain, and the Dorback and Lettoch roads from Nethy Bridge; these roads remain closed. The following footpaths and walking routes still remain closed: Walks in other parts of the National Park away from the fire area are all now open, and the National Trust for Scotland has reopened the Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich car parks. Further update 7th August: the road to Glenmore and Cairngorm has…

Scotland’s world-class outdoor access rights are being pushed to breaking point due to a collapse in investment in staff and paths, a new report has revealed today.   Since 2003, people in Scotland have enjoyed a legal right to walk, cycle, ride horses and exercise on nearly all land, provided they behave responsibly.   But a new report from Ramblers Scotland shows these rights are being hollowed out by a combination of underfunding and a lack of staff to handle soaring complaints about blocked trails, broken bridges and irresponsible access.   The charity’s survey of frontline staff at 32 councils and two national parks found: Brendan Paddy, director of Ramblers Scotland, said: “Today’s shocking results show that we’ve got world-class outdoor access rights, but third-rate funding.   “Frontline staff are sounding the alarm that the system is breaking down, as we…

The Mountain Bothy Association is planning for the replacement of the old bothy at Culra, which was closed some years ago due to the presence of asbestos. Next week contractors will commence demolition of the existing structure. The existing building will be entirely removed within 7-10 days depending on the weather. MBA and Ben Alder Estate are pleased to confirm that the bothy will be replaced during Spring 2026. A new concrete base will be created once the winter frosts have passed and a completely new building – on the same footprint as the existing bothy – will then be…

Following a successful trial in 2024, the Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus is returning for a second and expanded pilot this season. The pilot service service will run from 7th July to 5th October 2025 building on the learnings and success from 2024, trialling further enhancements and an expanded route, now starting from Drymen, the shuttle bus operation will continue to test and learn what works both in terms of service operation and inspiring people to use more sustainable travel options to connect and protect the special environment of our National Park. Tackling the dominance of car travel and lack of…

Ramblers Scotland is calling on walkers to urgently email local councillors to ensure upcoming budgets safeguard investment in walking, paths and outdoor access.  The charity says that most Scottish councils have squeezed the money they spend on walking throughout the past decade. Long-term budget cuts have led to fewer staff to support access, complaints about blocked paths increasingly going unanswered, and insufficient funds to maintain popular trails. A new webpage has been launched at ramblers.org.uk/accessbudgets to help walkers find and email their local councillors.  Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: “Right now, councils across Scotland are setting their 2025/26 budgets. It’s vital that…