Ramblers Scotland launches campaign against walking ban at four Perthshire Munros

A petition has been launched in response to a ban preventing hillwalkers from accessing four sought-after Munros in Perthshire.

Ramblers Scotland has criticised plans by North Chesthill Estate, owned by Alastair Riddell, to prevent walkers from accessing paths within the Glen Lyon area.

According to the charity, the estate had for decades tried to discourage hikers from the four Munros, which are a popular challenge to complete in a day.

The row between the walkers and the estate started last year when signs were erected banning walking between September and October due to “stalking”.

The walking group said the estate was preventing visitors from accessing 2,600 hectares of land, which they claim is at odds with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Glen Lyon in Perthshire contains four popular Munros. Ramblers Scotland

The move was met with criticism from hillwalkers and spoken about in the Scottish Parliament.

The Ramblers said the signs have now appeared again along the walking trails.

Brendan Paddy, charity director, said: “North Chesthill’s blanket two-month ban unfairly affects local walkers, visitors and tourism businesses. After decades of complaints at these fantastic Munros, enough is enough.

“Nothing in Scotland’s access laws allow the unilateral closure of an entire estate for two months for deer stalking.

“Other estates across Scotland prove that stalking and responsible public access can go hand-in-hand. So why not North Chesthill?”

The charity has urged “everyone who values Scotland’s world-class outdoor access rights” to sign their petition.

Brendan added: “Access to nature is a right, not a luxury.”

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code states that on specific days and in specific locations, deer-stalking estates may advise walkers to use alternative nearby routes.

It adds that signs which effectively prevent access to major summits like Murnos are “not appropriate and are unlikely to be effective” and that landowners should not “make blanket requests to avoid specified areas which remain in place when no stalking is underway.”

Ramblers Scotland’s petition has been backed by other outdoor organisations, including Walkhighlands and ScotWays.

North Chesthill Estate has been contacted for comment.