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How to avoid stalkers in the Highlands





Mind how you go!
Mind how you go!

This year’s Heading for the Scottish Hills service has been launched by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The service allows walkers to check ahead for possible deer stalking taking place on estates, to help reduce the chance of disturbing stag stalking during the peak season from late summer to October 20.

SNH has worked with partners, including the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the Association of Deer Management Groups, to create a user-friendly service, which covers more hills, particularly in the northern Highlands, and is accessible from mobiles and tablets.

The website helps walkers follow the advice in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to try and find out where stag stalking is taking place and who to contact if more information is required.

The Code encourages walkers to take account of reasonable advice on alternative routes and to avoid crossing land where stalking is taking place. The site also includes general information about stalking on all participating estates and contact details for further information, as well as information about responsible behaviour for both land managers and walkers.

Specific Munros, Corbetts and other popular hills are addressed, too, the website including routes which are “always okay” and general information such as when the estate will start stag stalking and the days of the week when stalking doesn’t take place.

Fiona Cuninghame, SNH recreation and access officer, said: “The web service is a quick way to check that you won’t disturb deer stalking when heading to participating hills between July and October.

“We hope that people find the service easy to use and would welcome feedback on HFTSH@snh.gov.uk .

“We expect the service to continue to grow, so if anyone is planning a trip and the hills they want to climb aren’t included on the site, it’s worth taking another look nearer the time.”

Andrea Partridge, Mountaineering Council of Scotland Access Officer, said: “The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has been closely involved with the website and is delighted to see that the service has expanded again this year.

“We encourage all hill-goers to check the website during the stalking season and contact the relevant estate if necessary.”


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