{"id":29591,"date":"2026-08-12T09:56:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T09:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=29591"},"modified":"2026-08-12T10:24:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T10:24:41","slug":"new-petition-to-fight-walking-ban-at-4-popular-munros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/new-petition-to-fight-walking-ban-at-4-popular-munros\/","title":{"rendered":"New petition to fight walking ban at 4 popular Munros\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Signs in Glen Lyon (Photo: Iain Cameron)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now, the estate\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its new petition at ramblers.org.uk\/glenlyon<\/u><\/strong><\/a> is also backed by\u00a0the Walkhighlands and national walking charity, ScotWays.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Ramblers staff member Rachel Mulrenan in Glen Lyon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Ramblers Scotland director Brendan Paddy said: \u201cNorth Chesthill\u2019s blanket 2-month ban unfairly affects local walkers, visitors and tourism businesses. After decades of complaints at these fantastic Munros, enough is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201csigns MUST NOT be used to deter people from exercising their access rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Paddy added: \u201cNothing in Scotland’s access laws allow the unilateral closure of an entire estate for 2 months for deer stalking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOther estates across Scotland prove that stalking and responsible public access can go hand-in-hand. So why not North Chesthill?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
More Glen Lyon signage <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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: C\u00e0rn Gorm, Meall Garbh, C\u00e0rn Mairg and Creag Mh\u00f2r<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
A locked gate at North Chesthill (Photo: Iain Cameron)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Although most concerns arise during the stalking season, the estate also publishes unusual guidance at other times of year. This includes telling hillwalkers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n