Perthshire estate confirms Munro trails remain open amid confusion over access

A Perthshire estate has confirmed that walkers are free to roam its land amid confusion over signage warning them off.

Ramblers Scotland launched a campaign against signage put up by North Chesthill Estate, banning walkers from accessing paths within the Glen Lyon area.

The signs were seen as a deterrent for walkers during the stalking season between September 1 and October 31.

This move was criticised by the walking charity as it restricted access to four popular Munros located within the estate, and went against the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The signs have now been removed. Ramblers Scotland

In response to the petition, the estate has said the charity has shared “misleading and inaccurate” information.

An estate spokesperson said: “The signage referred to is historic and has not been used by the estate for some time. It was previously displayed during deer-stalking periods as part of efforts to manage deer numbers in line with Scottish Government policy.”

The estate confirmed that the signage has been removed.

Ramblers Scotland previously said the sign had appeared in 2025 and again in 2026, ahead of the deer-stalking season.

North Chesthill Estate confirmed to STV News that “all walking routes will be open, but stalking will still be taking place”.

The estate’s website reads: “The public are asked to avoid the hills and Munros on the north side of Glen Lyon behind Invervar for a few short weeks in accordance with Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

Ramblers Scotland said it will still push ahead with its petition to prevent a repeat of 2025.

A Ramblers Scotland spokesman said: “We’d appreciate a statement from North Chesthill Estate assuring us, the public and the authorities that walkers will be welcomed this September and October.

“This statement could make it clear that the estate will need to request the public avoid specific places, at the precise times when stalking is actually taking place.

“These requests should include alternative suggested routes through the estate to the iconic Munros, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

“Right now, the estate’s own website continues to tell people to ‘walk elsewhere’ daily during September and October 2026. This mirrors its controversial approach last year, as shown in photos accompanying our campaign.

“We hope our petition can stop a repeat of autumn 2025 and deliver a common-sense solution that benefits both walkers and stalkers – just like we see at other estates right across Scotland.”