I've just had an e-mail from a reader informing that a sign has appeared below Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach (Glenquoich Estate) near Knoydart that proclaims: Stalking, No Hillwalking. with the dates, 20th Augst to 20th October. Such a sign is now illegal in Scotland. The situation under the recent Land Reform Act is that hillwalkers still have a public right of access, provided they act responsibly. Part of that responsibility is checking where stalking is taking place, either by phoning the estate or using the Hillphones scheme, and then judging where it will be safe to walk. A carte blanche closure of the hill during the stalking season does not conform to the Act's definition of responsibility on the landowners part. I wonder if OM'ers could let me know at TGO of any other similar signs they find in Scotland. "Keep Out" type signs are now illegal and can be removed by the local council. I intend publishing a list of such signs and the estates involved, and reporting them to the relevant authority. All who come to Scotland to hillwalk should be aware that the presumption of access is now in favour of the hillwalker, provided he or she acts responsibly. Your help in this would be appreciated.
Cameron - contrast that sign with signs that appear around the Isle of Arran. In the past, a rather lengthy form of words was used as follows:
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Walkers are welcome. The members of the Deer Management Group recognise the tradition of free access to the hill. The Deer Management Group is responsible for the management and conservation of the land, in particular the management of red deer. The main deer management aims are: * to maintain a healthy red deer herd in balance with the natural habitat. * to maintain local employment and through this to support the rural community and local businesses. * to conserve the natural qualities of the land including its wildlife. The National Trust for Scotland is also a member of this Deer Management Group. Its policies ensure that the public access is unaffected when culling/stalking takes place. Please help the privately owned stalking estates to achieve these aims, particularly during the main stag stalking season from mid-August to mid-October, by: * avoiding areas where stalking is taking place. * seeking information in advance so that you can plan your visit to avoid disturbance to stalking. * following any local guidance on the day. All members of this Deer Management Group will be pleased to recommend walking routes which will enable you to enjoy the area. Information on stalking in Arran is available through the Hillphone answering service, tel: 01770-302363, whose message is updated daily. Thank you.
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Recently, however, and no doubt in response to the change in legislation regarding access, the following shortened statement has appeared on signs around the island:
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Walkers are welcome to enjoy freedom of access to these hills. This part of Arran has many red deer easily observed while walking. To maintain a healthy deer population in balance with the natural habitat, control measures are carried out periodically. Mid-August to mid-October is a particularly sensitive time. For up to date information on stalking, please call the Hillphone Answer Service on: Brodick 01770-302363.
A couple of weeks ago I phoned the Grey Corries Hillphones. The answerring machine wasn't working and I got through to the stalker. His reaction to my questions were to come back after 20 October (end of stag season as you are aware). He told me I had to be reasonable despite the fact that I had three days work in the Grey Corries and could be flexible.
Tried the Hillphones again the day before I went out and it is very general and just told me to keep to the ridges. Personally I thought it a waste of time as the reply wasn't specific enough for my needs and it appeared that the message was never changed. (I intend advising the MCofS.)
I did manage three day's in the Grey Corries. Saw the stalker the first day but we ignored each other. I wasn't wanting a confrontation with my clients.
I also spoke there to a guy from south of the border. He told me signs at the Black Mount are similar to what you describe above.
Lindsay, let Mike Dales at MCoS know -mike@mountaineering-scotland.org.uk. I'll note it down too - I'm on the MCoS Access & Conservation Committee. We'll discuss this and the signs at our next meeting.
There's a big sign up above the Cluanie Inn (at the junction of the Lodge access and the road which leads up to the stalker's path on Creag a' Mhaim) which simply has "Deer Cull in Progress" daubed on it.
No idea if it's a long-term notice or not but it was up on a Sunday when I passed by - so that's one day it didn't need to be there.
Just to show that some Estates are acting responsibly.
I had a guided walk planned for Arkle (North-West)last week and contacted the head keeper of Reay Forest. Initially he couldn't give me an answer as the 'lodges' hadn't phoned in. (I presume he meant paying guests) However on a subsequent call he advised me that there would be no stalking on Arkle. On both occasions he was very appreciative of the phone call. He even offered to phone me back with the information but I was using a pay phone.
On visiting the area the Estate have placed a sign beside the bridge at the south end of Loch Stack giving daily information as to stalking. (I took a photo just to show others how Esates should operate) It gives options as to where stalking is taking place and also 'No stalking today' sign, which was being displayed.
If in doubt the Estate Office is just down the road at Achfary, which I have used before.
Hopefully other Estates and their Managers will follow this example.
If anyone wants the head stalker's phone number just e-mail me, although the main stalking season finishes on 20 October.
