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…