Suileag bothy near Lochinver will be closed between 31 August and 7 September to enable MBA volunteers to undertake a number of repairs to the building. This is one of a number of work parties that will be taking place during the late summer. The Tarf Hotel (the Feith Uaine bothy) in the eastern highlands of Scotland and Dibidil on Rum are two others that will be receiving attention. Details are available on the MBA website where intending users of these and other bothies can also find information about any restrictions in use which may apply during the periods when…

Two summer bus services are now operating which may help hillwalkers who rely on public transport or encourage some to leave the car at home for the day. A new bus service now links Braemar with Blairgowrie and is likely to be useful to walkers. The service will run over the summer months until 28 September and also links to Aberdeen in the north. You can check out the timetable here. Also operating for the second year running is the Ring of Breadalbane Explorer. This hop-on hop-off circular service runs in both directions on the Killin-Aberfeldy-Crieff-Comrie ‘Ring’ which is home…

The Scottish Government has approved the community buy out application for land and buildings at Cape Wrath. This follows the decision by the Ministry of Defence not to seek to purchase the land, which had led to concerns that access to the Cape would be restricted. Commenting, the First Minister said: “The approval of the Durness Development Group application is a very welcome next step towards Scotland’s ambitious new target of a million acres in community control by 2020. “If the community is able to go ahead and successfully purchase the land, it will secure a stronger local economy for…

The Cairngorms National Park is currently reviewing the walking routes it has designated as 'core paths' and would appreciate input from walkers. The Cairngorms has the most extensive system of core paths in Scotland and the National Park has been very proactive in getting the network into good condition through a programme of path construction, improvement and signage. Following the extension of the National Park boundary to include the area around Blair Atholl, the Cairngorms is the first access authority in Scotland to review its core paths plan and propose extending it. Designating routes as 'core paths' is important as…

After the death of a dog walker in England last month, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Land & Estates, and NFU Scotland are advising dog walkers to avoid fields with cows and young calves. The three organisations say that cattle may see dogs as a threat and react aggressively or panic when they have dependent young calves and they advise walkers: – Don't take a dog into a field where there are calves, lambs and other young animals. Walk through a neighbouring field or on the land next to it. In more open country, keep your dog on a short…