HILLWALKERS ARE urged to avoid disturbing deer stalking during the busiest part of the season.

NatureScot manages the 'Heading for the Scottish Hills' website, which provides details on deer stalking on estates between July and late October, to help walkers decide on alternative walking routes.

The website also offers information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which is proving vital given the huge number of people choosing to spend time in the great outdoors post-Lockdown.

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NatureScot Recreation, Access and Paths Officer, Fiona Cuninghame, commented: “It has been great to see so many people returning to our wonderful outdoors once again following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

“Many people may be discovering the joys of exploring our hills and mountains for the first time which is fantastic, but it’s also important to bear in mind that this can be a very busy time for land managers," she continued.

“Our Heading for the Scottish Hills website is a great resource to help walkers have a great day out without disturbing deer stalking in their chosen area as well as helping to raise awareness of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

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The information can also be accessed through the Walkhighlands website, with relevant stalking details provided on the page for each walk.

Mountaineering Scotland’s Access Officer, Davie Black, said: “We have been involved with Heading for Scottish Hills since it started, and are always happy to see more estates join each year. We encourage all walkers to check the website during the stalking season and contact the relevant estate if they have further questions.”

Chairman of the Association of Deer Management Groups, Richard Cooke, added: “The Association of Deer Management Groups has been involved with Heading for the Scottish Hills for more than 20 years, both in its initial book form and now in the online version.

“We would like to see this resource as the ‘go to’ source of information for people taking recreational access in the Highlands of Scotland and are pleased that an increasing number of Deer Management Groups are signing up. Clearly it is in our members’ interests also to make this information available.”

To find out more visit on Heading for the Scottish Hills visit HERE