Mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts across Perth and Kinross are closely watching developments in Glen Lyon, where local authorities are examining claims that a prominent estate is impeding public access to several well-known peaks. The North Chesthill Estate, situated near Aberfeldy, has reportedly implemented a policy that has effectively barred walkers from traversing parts of its land, including pathways to four significant Munros, throughout the crucial autumn months.
The affected Munros – Meall Garbh, Càrn Gorm, Creag Mhòr, and Càrn Mairg – are cherished destinations for hikers, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging ascents within the scenic northern reaches of Glen Lyon, specifically in the area beyond Invervar. The estate’s decision to restrict access during September and October, citing its red deer stalking schedule, has sparked considerable debate regarding the delicate balance between land management practices and the public’s established right to roam in Scotland.
Central to the controversy is the interpretation of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), the bedrock of Scotland’s renowned access rights. While North Chesthill Estate publicly communicated guidelines suggesting that the public should simply ‘walk elsewhere over this short period,’ advocacy groups like Ramblers Scotland have highlighted a crucial distinction. The official SOAC guidance, as stated on its website, typically advises the public to ‘please use alternative routes’ and to ‘follow reasonable advice on alternative routes’ during periods of land management activities. The omission of these phrases by the estate has led to accusations that its messaging misrepresented the spirit of the code, which generally seeks to facilitate shared access rather than blanket prohibitions. The Heart of the ‘Right to Roam’ Debate
The ‘right to roam’ is a fundamental principle enshrined in Scottish law, granting individuals access to most land and inland water for recreational purposes, provided they act responsibly. However, this right is not absolute and comes with responsibilities for both the public and landowners. Landowners are expected to manage their land in a way that minimates disruption to public access, while the public is urged to respect privacy, wildlife, and land management activities. Deer stalking, a legitimate land use, requires careful coordination to ensure safety, but outright bans are typically viewed as an extreme measure that should only be implemented when all other alternatives for managing access have been exhausted and for specified periods and routes.
Ramblers Scotland voiced significant concern regarding the situation, taking to social media to express their dismay. They described the estate’s actions as ‘unreasonable signs’ and indicated awareness of ‘recent issues on the ground’ where walkers faced difficulties simply trying to enjoy the renowned Glen Lyon Munros. The organisation underlined that the SOAC supports managing specific routes on particular days for deer stalking, but not the broad, prolonged restrictions reportedly imposed by North Chesthill Estate. Perth and Kinross Council’s Response
In response to these growing concerns, Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed its active involvement. A spokesperson for the council stated, “Perth and Kinross Council has a duty to uphold access rights and is looking into the current situation at North Chesthill.” This signals a commitment from the local authority to ensure that the principles of responsible access are maintained within the region, which boasts some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes and a vibrant outdoor tourism sector.
The council further clarified that “Landowners and access takers should be acting responsibly and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which has specific advice on deer stalking, including the hills concerned.” This statement reiterates the legal and ethical obligations of all parties involved in land use in Perthshire. The council also urged members of the public who encounter obstacles or are prevented from exercising their access rights responsibly to report such incidents via its official website, providing a clear avenue for local residents and visitors to contribute to the resolution of these matters.
The outcome of the council’s investigation will be keenly awaited by the hiking community and local residents alike, as it could set an important precedent for how access rights are managed in areas of high recreational value and active land management. Ensuring fair and reasonable access is vital for preserving Perth and Kinross’s reputation as a prime destination for outdoor pursuits and for fostering a harmonious relationship between those who own the land and those who wish to explore its natural beauty.
North Chesthill Estate has been contacted for their perspective on these developments, and further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses. This incident serves as a pertinent reminder for all involved in outdoor recreation and land management in the heart of Scotland to be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The affected Munros – Meall Garbh, Càrn Gorm, Creag Mhòr, and Càrn Mairg – are cherished destinations for hikers, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging ascents within the scenic northern reaches of Glen Lyon, specifically in the area beyond Invervar. The estate’s decision to restrict access during September and October, citing its red deer stalking schedule, has sparked considerable debate regarding the delicate balance between land management practices and the public’s established right to roam in Scotland.
Central to the controversy is the interpretation of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), the bedrock of Scotland’s renowned access rights. While North Chesthill Estate publicly communicated guidelines suggesting that the public should simply ‘walk elsewhere over this short period,’ advocacy groups like Ramblers Scotland have highlighted a crucial distinction. The official SOAC guidance, as stated on its website, typically advises the public to ‘please use alternative routes’ and to ‘follow reasonable advice on alternative routes’ during periods of land management activities. The omission of these phrases by the estate has led to accusations that its messaging misrepresented the spirit of the code, which generally seeks to facilitate shared access rather than blanket prohibitions. The Heart of the ‘Right to Roam’ Debate
The ‘right to roam’ is a fundamental principle enshrined in Scottish law, granting individuals access to most land and inland water for recreational purposes, provided they act responsibly. However, this right is not absolute and comes with responsibilities for both the public and landowners. Landowners are expected to manage their land in a way that minimates disruption to public access, while the public is urged to respect privacy, wildlife, and land management activities. Deer stalking, a legitimate land use, requires careful coordination to ensure safety, but outright bans are typically viewed as an extreme measure that should only be implemented when all other alternatives for managing access have been exhausted and for specified periods and routes.
Ramblers Scotland voiced significant concern regarding the situation, taking to social media to express their dismay. They described the estate’s actions as ‘unreasonable signs’ and indicated awareness of ‘recent issues on the ground’ where walkers faced difficulties simply trying to enjoy the renowned Glen Lyon Munros. The organisation underlined that the SOAC supports managing specific routes on particular days for deer stalking, but not the broad, prolonged restrictions reportedly imposed by North Chesthill Estate. Perth and Kinross Council’s Response
In response to these growing concerns, Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed its active involvement. A spokesperson for the council stated, “Perth and Kinross Council has a duty to uphold access rights and is looking into the current situation at North Chesthill.” This signals a commitment from the local authority to ensure that the principles of responsible access are maintained within the region, which boasts some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes and a vibrant outdoor tourism sector.
The council further clarified that “Landowners and access takers should be acting responsibly and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which has specific advice on deer stalking, including the hills concerned.” This statement reiterates the legal and ethical obligations of all parties involved in land use in Perthshire. The council also urged members of the public who encounter obstacles or are prevented from exercising their access rights responsibly to report such incidents via its official website, providing a clear avenue for local residents and visitors to contribute to the resolution of these matters.
The outcome of the council’s investigation will be keenly awaited by the hiking community and local residents alike, as it could set an important precedent for how access rights are managed in areas of high recreational value and active land management. Ensuring fair and reasonable access is vital for preserving Perth and Kinross’s reputation as a prime destination for outdoor pursuits and for fostering a harmonious relationship between those who own the land and those who wish to explore its natural beauty.
North Chesthill Estate has been contacted for their perspective on these developments, and further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses. This incident serves as a pertinent reminder for all involved in outdoor recreation and land management in the heart of Scotland to be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.