PERTHSHIRE Ban on 'right to roam' reaches critical stage A campaign waged against a Perthshire estate “stopping walkers” from accessing four popular Munros has reached a historic milestone. North Chesthill Estate has come under fire after its owners told hillwalkers to avoid the hills and the four Munros, Càrn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Càrn Mairg and Creag Mhòr, on the north side of Glen Lyon, from the start of September until the end of October. Ramblers Scotland launched a petition last month after the estate, located in Aberfeldy, announced it would enforce a two-month ban on walkers accessing the routes to the four Munros because of deer stalking being in operation. On the estate's website, a public notice read: “We are very much relying on the public and hillwalkers to act responsibly within the Access Code and guidelines and seek alternative walks during the main stag deer cull period in accordance with SOAC - Section 5 - over this short period September – October annually.” The post also outlined that the public car park on the estate, commonly used by hillwalkers, was also closed until the end of October. Campaigners said the petition was launched to say “enough is enough” after years of access rows with the estate, adding they want to send the message that “access to nature is a right, not a luxury”.

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