The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

Foot and Mouth Update:

Latest on Access Restrictions

last updated - 0130 hrs, 17th May 2001

This page is no longer being updated. The new guidance on access announced by the Scottish Executive on 15th May should have rendered the information below redundant. Except in the infected area, landowners should now get agreement to close land from their local authority and divisional veterinary service. The list below indicates areas where we were informed that some access was being allowed to the hills and mountains, up to the last updated date shown above.

Ben Lomond Ben Chonzie Drumochter Monadh Liath Loch Lochy area Campsies / Ochils / Fife Lawers / Glen Lyon Angus Glens / Mount Keen Corrour Blair Atholl / Pitlochry Area Torridon Mull Ben Alder area Glenfinnan / Glen Dessary Speyside Way West Highland Way Glen Quoich Ben Lui Spittal of Glenshee The Mamores Wester Ross Rannoch / Schiehallion Ben Nevis / Lochaber Skye / Raasay Arran

Kintail / Glen Shiel / Strath Clunie The Fannichs / Am Faochagach An Teallach Glencoe Black Mount / Glen Etive Glen Affric / Glen Cannich / Strathfarrar The Far North West Gairloch / Fisherfield Area Applecross Peninsula Ardnamurchan / Ardgour The Dearg Hills Ben Wyvis Arrochar Alps / Trossachs Rum The Islands Knoydart Cairngorms Craig Meagaidh Braemar / Grampians Abernethy Forest Glen Creran Forestry Commission England and Wales Ireland

See also news of open Rock Climbing Crags

The Scottish Executive and Scottish Natural Heritage have produced the Comeback Code to promote the safe re-introduction of walking and climbing in non-effected areas. Anyone visiting the areas listed here as open MUST comply with the Code and any conditions or restrictions signposted locally. We'll keep updating this page as news arrives about mountain areas. If you have some information that isn't on this page, please e-mail us. For specific walking information and updates related to accessible areas - from low level family walks to mountain and long distance routes in the Highlands and Islands please visit www.walkingwild.com. If you have information which could be posted on that website please contact colin.simpson@host.co.uk or sduncan@ptb.ossian.net to allow for further updates to the site.

Ben Lomond has finally been announced as open by the NTS.   Drumochter Ralia Estates have now opened Geal Charn, A Mharconnaich and Beinn Udlamain on the west of the A9 at Drumochter - access and return is by Balsporran Cottages only. On the east of the A9 A Bhuideneach Beag and Carn na Caim are also open - access and return is from the quarry track. The estate have put disinfectant pads at these access points and ask visitors not to bring dogs and stay on ridges as far a possible.   Ben Chonzie can now be accessed via Glen Lednock.   Monadh Liath The Monadh Liath (A'Cailleach, Carn Sgulain and Carn Dearg) are now open. Access from Shepherd's Bridge at the end of the public road in Glen Banchor behind Newtonmore. The Corrieyairack Pass from Fort Augustus to Garva Bridge is open.   Loch Lochy Area The Munros, Meall na Teanga and Sron a' Choire Ghairbh - and the Corbett Ben Tee are now accessible. Access to Meall na Teanga and Sron a' Choire Ghairbh is available from the Chia-aig carpark (by Loch Arkaig), Clunes, and the forest road which runs southwest from Kilfinnan above Loch Lochy; parking is available at Laggan Locks (signposted off the A82) for access via Kilfinnan - please do not park at or near Kilfinnan Farm at present. Ben Tee is accessible from the forest at Whitebridge in Glengarry (Allt na Cailliche carpark) - no access available from Kilfinnan at present.   Campsies / Ochils / Fife Access is now open to Meikle Bin in the Campsies. The Campsies are also accessible from Water Board track from Blanefield. Access to the Ochil Hills via Dollar Glen has had to be restricted meantime as livestock movement restrictions have left the farmer to keep his sheep there there while lambing. Access to the hills is now reported open from Tillicoultry, and also from Alva Glen. In Fife, access is now available to East Lomond Hill from the village of Falkland or from the transmitter mast. No access from Craigmead.   Angus Glens / Mount Keen Invermark Estate are permitting limited access from Invermark, at Glen Esk. This includes the walk from the Invermark carpark to the head of Loch Lee and back. They have also opened access up the footpath in Glen Mark and over Mount Keen. Mount Keen can also be accessed from Deeside by Glen Tanar and the Mounth Road. Angus Council along with Forest Enterprise have agrred to the removal of all access restrictions with effect from Friday 27 April. This will allow access to Jock's Road, Capel Mounth from South as well as Driesh , Mayar, Tolmount, Tom Buidhe, Cairn Bannoch and Broad Cairn. 'The FE campsite in Glen Doll is closed until further notice.   Lawers / Glen Lyon NTS have announced the opening of Ben Lawers, on the route from the Visitors Centre, from 16th May. Meall nan Tarmachan is also open. Access to the corbett Beinn Dearg, to the west of the Carn Mairg range is open via Innerwick Estates. Start at the Rannoch path at Innerwick where there is a disinfectant straw bale across the path. Please follow the comeback code. It has been reported that at Stuchd an Lochan and Meall Buidhe, at top end of Glen Lyon, there is a bootbath out (if it's still there) with a welcoming message to be sensible when on the hill.   The West Highland Way The full length of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William has been opened as of 13th April. See the official website at www.west-highland-way.co.uk for details of local diversions. The Speyside Way Moray Council have carried out a risk assessment on the route and have been able to reopen some sections. Full details on www.speysideway.org/   Blair Atholl / Pitlochry area Ben Vrackie will be reopened on Friday 27th April. The approach will cover all Pitlochry and Killiecrankie approaches, not just the main tourist path. Also open will be the Bealach Walk and the Clunie Walk at Pitlochry, as Perth and Kinross Council moves to a policy of opening land under their control. On Atholl Estate, access to Beinn Dearg is available via Glen Bruar or Glen Banvie. All of the Blair Atholl section of the estate is open except Glen Tilt where there is lambing and the West Drive where there is calving. Glen Tilt and the West Drive will be open from May 16 when lambing and calving are over. For news of low level walks, check Perth & Kinross Council website   Ben Alder area Access from Dalwhinnie along Loch Erichtside and from Kinlochlaggan along the Pattack to Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil, Carn Dearg - Beinn Eibhinn Group, including Geal-charn and Aonach Beag; the Creag Pitridh Group, including Beinn a' Chlachair and Geal Charn. Binnean Shuas and Binnean Shios, on Ardverikie Estate on south side of Loch Laggan have also been opened. Access from the A86 by the bridge near Moy at NN 433830.   Island of Mull It is reported that access in now permitted on Ben More. Access is available to the Dun da Ghaoithe ridge (Corbett) - access 1 mile south of Craignure.   Ben Lui Access to Ben Lui and Beinn a' Chleibh can be obtained from the carpark on the A85 in Glen Lochay, between Tyndrum and Dalmally at NN 239278. Access is now allowed onto Ben Oss and Ben Dubchraig from the same car park, but not from the usual approach at the Cononish side.   Glen Quoich Access to Gleouraich, Spidean Mialach and Sgurr a' Mhaoraich from the minor road to Kinloch Hourn by the normal footpaths. Glen Kingie, Sgurr Mor, Gairich and Ben Aden are now accessible from Loch Quoich.   Rannoch / Schiehallion Beinn a Chuallaich - Access to this beautifully situated Corbett is from Kinloch Rannoch or the main start point noted in the SMC Munros book - no access from the livestock fields between these two points. Beinn Pharlagain - Meall na Meoig. In consultation with Dunan Estate, access to this corbett is open. Take the road to the isles path about 2 miles east of Rannoch Station on the B846. Please stick to the paths and ridges where possible, avoid any deer in the area and follow the comeback code. For a longer day this hill can be combined with the Munros of Carn Dearg and Sgor Gaibhre located further North on the Perthshire/Lochaber boundary. The John Muir Trust have announced the path from Braes of Foss car park to the summit of Schiehallion is now open. This is with the agreement of the grazing tenant and the Forestry Commission. They ask walkers to stick to that path only and comply with any signs. Not only are there sheep in the area, but a herd of wild goats of which people have got rather fond, and these must be avoided as per the comeback code.   Isle of Skye Cuillin: Access to the Cuillin Ridge from Glen Brittle is open as from 4th May, Official by the District Council. The Council is to provide footbaths at 4 points in Glenbrittle, 1. top forestry car park, 2. Youth Hostel 3. by the BMC hut 4. Behind the toilets on the campsite, accessible from the beach car park MacLeod estates are allowing access to The Black Cuillin ridge. Access can be made over John Muir Trust lands via the 'bad step' to Loch Coruisk, or by boat from Elgol to Coruisk itself. They have now agreed to opening up an access from Sligachan - opposite the Mountain Rescue base. The Council will install a disinfectant footbath there on Friday morning (27th April) so the path should be available later that day. Strathaird: Arrangements are being put in place by the John Muir Trust to ensure walkers and climbers can access the unenclosed areas of non-crofted Strathaird without having to come in close contact with livestock, or cross tenanted ground. The accessible area covers Bla Bheinn, Sgurr na Stri, Strath na Creitheach, and from the eastern shores of Loch Coruisk across to Marsco. At present, these areas can be approached by the path from Kilmarie to Camasunary, from the newly created car park by the Allt na Dunaiche (grid ref. NG 562 217) and by the path running through Glen Sligachan from Sligachan Hotel. Note: the land in the immediate area of Camasunary is not owned by JMT, so please comply with any signs there. Check the John Muir Trust website for latest news Trotternish: you can do the Storr from the forestry carpark on the Portree to Uig road, and you can do The Quiraing from the 'top' carpark on the Staffin to Uig road. Both access points have disinfection foot paths, so please stick to these and not other access points. No dogs allowed at present. Isle of Raasay: footpath open to Dun Caan. For local info visit www.isle-of-skye.org.uk   Arran Access is available to all main NTS tops and ridges from Glen Sannox, Glen Rosa, Corrie and the Castle tourist path. Also included open are Caisteal Abhail, Cir Mhor, Ceum na Caillich, Mullach Buidhe and Suidhe Fearghas. No access from Lochranza (Glen Easain Biorach). The Forestry Commission has also opened some of it's walks on the island. See their website for full details.   The Fannichs / Am Foachagagh The following is the official opening plan for the Fannich: Opening 10th April. Start/Finish; Grid 277743 (Torrain Duibh) The southern approach to the Fannichs is now open from Grudy Bridge along the Fannich road. This means that the restrictions on crossing over the ridge are lifted and the Fannichs have no restrictions on them now. As is usual, vehicular access there is hit and miss. Other approved access points have been : South West along West side of river to river junction Grid 264725 from there to summit of Creag Dhubh Fannaich. All Fannich Munro's are accessible from this point on as far as An Coileachan. Access to western Fannichs from Loch a' Bhraoin track end on the Braemore - Dundonnell road at NH163761. Strathviach Estates have agreed to re-open Am Foachagagh and their other hills with immediate effect. (Saturday 7th April). Access will be from Torrain Duibh at the head of Loch Glascarnoch or Aultguish Inn.   An Teallach. The normal access from GR NH 093 878 is now open. The track from Corriehallie is still closed however. Gruinard Estate are happy if people contour round in some way, either by going up the Coir a Ghiubhsachain or cutting across the moor before you drop into Dundonnell at GR NH 121 813. The normal access route from Corriehallie is not available but unfortunately there is limited parking at the other access point and so people will need to park here and walk along the road to the approved access point. It has been arranged that Dundonnell Estate will open up their ground, and so access onto An Teallach is now also available from :- Ardessie Falls and over Mac is Mathair - Parking at G.R. NH 052 896, Access at G.R. NH 054 896 Sail Mhor is also open from the same parking point. A disinfectant foot bath is available at Sail Mhor Croft Hostel, Camusnagaul, Dundonnell G.R. NH 064 893

The Dearg Hills, By Ullapool The Forestry Commission have opened access onto these hills from a point at OS Grid Reference NH185847. This route should be used to access The Deargs and Seana Bhraigh instead of the much publicised route from Inverlael Farm to Glensguaib. The path zig-zags at first then emerges onto a hard forest track. After about 1.5.miles, a four way junction is reached. Take the second road on the right which leads down to a bridge over the Lael River. You are now back on the main publicised hill route. Signs should be in place to direct you through the wood. more info   Glen Affric / Glen Cannich / Strathfarrar Both sides of Glen Affric are now fully available, including access to Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan and An Socach. Access to West Affric should be from Morvich or The FE car park at in Glen Affric. Sgurr A' Bhealaich Dheirg is open, but access should be from one of the recommended access points which have been set up for the Five Sisters and not the estates to the east. From Glen Cannich, Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr na Lapaich, and An Riabhachan are available. Keep to ground west of the Mullardoch Dam. Walkers are asked not to get out of their cars until they reach the parking area at the dam. The Strathfarrar hills are open with just the usual hours of access restrictions.   Applecross Peninsula Walks open - please keep to the paths and ridges and use the disinfectant points at the start of the paths   Abernethy Forest RSPB , Abernethy Forest Reserve is generally open, although there are still a few restriction due to paths within close proximately to farm land, these have been sign posted.   The Far North West Breabag is now open via Allt nan Uamh Cul Beag, access from NC150058. Do not use Linneraineach route on approach or return. Cul Mor is now also reported as open. Ben Klibreck is apparently accessible from Vagastie Bridge, the normal starting point. Suilven is now open from Inverkirkaig as well as from Lochinver via Glencanisp. Ben Hope is accessible from the shed in Strath More 2k north of Allltnacaillich. Stac Pollaidh is now open Ben More Coigach and outliers can be reached from east end of Loch Lurgainn NC138067. Do not use access from Achiltibuie or Culnacraig. Ben More Assynt and Conival are now OPEN to all with access from Inchnadamph. Still no access from the south (Benmore Lodge) Ben Loyal: access from Lettermore on A 836 south of Tongue. NC617477. Breabag is open - access from Inchnadamph only. Alt nan Uamh Valley (Bone Caves) remain closed. Quinag is open from the car park situated 1 mile north of Skiag Bridge. Glas Bheinn is also open. The Kylestrome Estate (Glendhu forest,) is open. This includes the Corbett Beinn Leoid. Reay Forest; Arkle and Fionaven open from Lone. Ben Stack also open. Access details from Estate Office, Achfary, or local hotels. Those wishing to traverse Foinaven can now get in or out from the A838 at either Loch Tarbaidh, south of Gualin House, or from near Rhiconich Hotel, but are asked to avoid Strath Dionard. Canisp open from Loch Awe (on A837 3 miles north of Ledmore). Handa Island is now open, as is the Loch a' Mhuillin NNR at Scourie.   Ardnamurchan / Ardgour Access available without restriction to Coire an Iubhair. This then gives access to the excellent Corbett Garbh Bheinn, and the Grahams - Beinn Bheag & Sgurr Mhic Eacharna though those last two would have been available via Glen Gour anyway. Personal experience confirms that Garbh Bheinn is accessible from Caolasnacon. Stob Coire a' Chearcaill (across Loch Linnhe from F. William) is open from east via Gleann Sron a'Chreagain. Access is also reported open to Ben Resipol. Also open in Ardgour: Glen Hurich - Glen Scaddle through route, and the Corbetts accessible from Cona Glen, Glen Scaddle, and Glen Gour. Sgurr Dhomhnuill, Beinn na h-Uamha, Carn na Nathrach, Stob a' Bhealach an Sgriodain, Sgorr Craobh a' Chaorainn, and Sgurr Ghiubhsachain, though the last three are more normally done from Glenfinnan /Callop. Access is now open to the ever popular Ben Hiant on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Beinn na Seilg (344m), is open from the north (Sonachan Hotel), but not from the south. Meall nan Con (437m) is certainly open from B8007, perhaps elsewhere too. Ddetails of what other walks are available locally are on www.ardnamurchan.com. We are not aware of any access to the various climbing crags on the peninsula at this time.   Kintail / Glen Shiel / Strath Clunie The South Cluanie ridge is now being reported as open, as is access to the four Munros immediately north of the Cluanie Inn (Ciste Dhubh, Sgurr an Fhuarail, A'Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire). On Inverinate Estate the hills are open, by and large, but you're asked to avoid livestock feeding areas such as Glen Elchaig. In practical terms, this means approaching the area via Bealach an Sgairne or the Falls of Glomach path (Bealach na Sroine). This allows access to A'Ghlas-bheinn, Mullach na Dheiragain and Sgurr Gaorsaich. It is possible to gain access to Carn Ghluasaid, Sgurr nan Conbhairean and Sail Chaorainn from the A87 on the north shore of Loch Cluanie at Lundie. (144103). Disinfectant bath in place. Unfortunately Corrielair Estate is still closed and the full Cluanie Horseshoe is not therefore possible from this side. Glenelg: Acccess is available to Beinn Sgritheall (Ben Sgriol) and its outliers Beinn a' Chapuill and Beinn Mhialairigh. Access to the Sgurr nan Conbhairean Group, A' Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch-choire can be gained from the West Affric Estate side. The NTS have announced the opening of access to the Five Sisters Ridge. Access via Battle site NG 994134 NH 008 136. This has been extended to include Saileag and Sgurr a'Bhealaich Dheirg ( Brothers). The route onto Ben Attow (Beinn Fhada), via Gleann Choinneachain only, opened on 12th April. Also open from 12th April is the Morvich Access to the Falls of Glomach. Access via Glen Elchaig and Lienassie Farm remains closed.   Ben Wyvis We have been informed by SNH that Ben Wyvis is officially open. Visitors are asked to avoid Garbat Farm and to take the path just to the south towards Beallach Mor. Facilities for disinfecting boots are available at the Aultguish Inn before and after. (See also the Forestry Commission website.) Richard Sys Aultguish Inn By Garve Ross-shire for information about what is available locally - www.aultguish.co.uk   Arrochar Alps / Trossachs The Forestry Commission have withdrawn almost all of the restrictions in the Argyll Forest Park. This will allow access onto Ben Narnain and The Cobbler, and onto Ben Donich and The Brack on the other side of the glen. For some reason, Ben Ime remains closed. Cruach Tairbeirt is also open.  ( more info ) In the Trossachs, the Forestry Commission have also withdrawn most of the restrictions, including the Menteith Hills, Ben A'an and their side of Ben Ledi. Due to timber harvesting operations, the route available (and signposted) onto Ben Ledi starts from the Corriechrombie car park, along the railway track towards the Cabins and then cuts up into the forest to ascend the Ben via Stank Glen. Ben Venue remains closed, but negotiations are going on with the varoius landowners there.   ( more info ) Stirling Council are requesting landowners/ SLF to free up access to hills in view of latest Goverment guidelines but ask us to put in a request for walkers NOT to use Glen Balquhidder or Inverlochlarig for the time being - there are negotiations going on at the moment in these two areas.   Rum The Island of Rum is open with some restrictions. Kinloch village is open except for the farm steading area and the walled garden. The Rum Cuillin ridge is accessible as far as Sgurr nan Gillean at the southern end. Only the outlying peak of Runcival is inaccessible, because it is directly above the main Highland cattle area at Harris. Rock climbing is only allowed on the coastal side. Apart from the area between the ridge and the coast between Dibidil and Kinloch, the island remains out of bounds. No dogs please.

Knoydart The path into Knoydart is now open from Kinloch Hourn to Barrisdale. Camusrory have also relented on restrictions around Sourlies & the Carnoch. Visitors are welcomed to the peninsula through access to the pier at Inverie (Western Isles Ferry from Mallaig Mon Wed Fri 10.15 and 14.15) and can do quite a few walks on tracks and paths, coastal walks through to ridge walks and access to Ladhar Bheinn. Kilchoan Estate, together with the Knoydart Foundation have agreed access to Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe from Inverie (via Mam Barrisdale or Mam Meadail). Please use the bootbath on the track and avoid contact with any livestock. The John Muir Trust has already announced that visitors are welcome to visit their Li and Coire Dhorrcail estate, provided they act responsibly and keep to the Comeback Code. Please avoid the Li Farm area where there are some livestock.   The Islands While other areas dither and footer about, why not consider going where you are welcome. Argyll Island of Ulva - Ferry still running - no dogs or cycles. Isles of Coll and Tiree - The Isles of Coll and Tiree are completely open. Isle of Colonsay - There are no restrictions on Colonsay due to Foot & Mouth, so once people arrive on Colonsay they are free to WALK anywhere on the Island. Island of Staffa - SNH have announced that his is now open. Iona - NTS have reopened here. Jura - the Paps are accessible via a footbath at Corran Bridge. Western Isles St Kilda. Permits required, details from NTS Oban Office, 01631 570000. Canna North Uist - open, please avoid livestock. Harris - access open to Clisham and Reinigeadal. Access to the western side of the island. Lewis - Bernera and Tolsta/Ness. Acess to Scalpay Berneray (The one near North Uist) Eriskay Vatersay part of South Uist Mingulay and Pabbay (near Barra) Northern Isles Fair Isle

Black Mount / Glen Etive Access available from the head of Loch Etive to Beinn Trilleachan and the Trilleachan Slabs. The usual point at the head of Glen Etive can now be used to access Stob Coir an Albannaich, Glas Bheinn Mhor and Ben Starav. Do not use Glen Ceitlein. The whole of the north side of Glen Etive is open so access is available to the Corbett Beinn Maol Chaluim and to the Munros Beinn Fhionlaidh and Beinn Sgulaird from the east side. Access is now open to the Black Mount Hills ( Stob Ghabhar etc) from Victoria Bridge Car Park, Inveroran. Access to Glen Kinglass and Glen Strae is closed. Meall a Bhuirdh - access is available via the Glencoe ski area. The Bridge of Orchy Hills are closed due to high livestock levels. Therefore no access from Auch Glen, Achallader Farm or Bridge of Orchy station.   Creag Meagaidh Creag Meagaidh is open with some restrictions. All access to the NNR should be from the car park at Aberarder towards the Creag Meagaidh offices. There is no access to Creag Meagaidh from the west entrance at Moy.   Spittal of Glenshee Access is now open to the corbett Ben Gulabin at the Spittal of Glenshee. Access to Glas Tulaichean is also OK from Dalmunzie hotel (disinfectant for boots available at hotel). Access to the hills on Fealar Estate - Carn an Righ, Ben Iutharn Mor and Glas Tulaichean is open but please avoid Glen More and the area around Fealar Lodge where lambing is concentrated.   Braemar / Grampians Area Ben Avon can be approached from ithe north at the Queen's Cairn Car Park, just to the south of Tomintoul. There is a disinfectant point, which they ask you to apply to boots and cycle wheels. Walkers are welcome to visit the Invercauld Estate, which includes groud both north and south of Braemar. Visitors are asked to keep to main paths and keep dogs on leads as ground nesting birds will soon be nesting with lambs and deer calves also being born. This means that hills such as The Cairnwell, Carn Aosda, Carn a'Gheoidh, Carn Bhac, An Socach, Glas Maol, Carn an Tuirc, Carn of Claise, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach and Lochnagar are OK to access as long as walkers and climbers respect the advice from the Estate. Also on Invercauld, Brown Cow Hill can be ascended from Glen Gairn. We have heard conflicting messages about access through Glen Callater, although Invercauld Estate have confirmed that it is open. Anyone finding unwelcoming signs at Auchallater could consider accessing the upper glen around Loch Callater from the track leaving the A93 at NO140834. Balmoral Estate factor Peter Ord revealed that walkers were now welcome to return to Lochnagar. Visitors were still discouraged from going near farm fields and woodland where cattle, red deer, roe deer and sheep exist. The estate is also advising walkers to stick to recognised footpaths and tracks and to avoid bringing dogs into the countryside. Two signs informing visitors of the guidelines were put up at the Spittal of Glenmuick - the popular gateway to Lochnagar. Broad Cairn and Cairn Bannoch can also now be reached from Glen Muick. The National Trust for Scotland are permitting access to the wider estate and mountain areas of Mar Lodge Estate. Please avoid disturbing deer, keep dogs on leads and please avoid the fields around Mar Lodge itself. The Mar Lodge Estate is roughly ground to the north and west of Braemar, and includes hills such as Ben Macdui, Derry Cairngorm, Beinn a Bhuird, into Lairig Ghru from Braemar etc. Please keep to the tracks and paths until on the high ground. Climbing is no problem, (Coire Etchacan, Sputan Dearg etc). The Beinn Iutharn Group can be accessed from Glen Ey.   Wester Ross Achnashellach: There is access in from Craig to Corbett Sgurr na Feartaig, and Munros Sgurr Choinnich, Sgurr a' Chaorachain, and Maoile Lunndaidh. Also the rest of the hills accessible from Craig to Glen Uig: Moruisg, Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, Beinn Tharsuinn, Bidean a' Choire Sheasgaich and Lurg Mor. Beinn Ghobhlach is open - access from the Scoraig path. Not a Corbett but still a bonny wee hill with a tremendous view. Coulin Estate opening, with unrestricted access to entire area. Walkers are asked to follow the "Comeback Code". No disinfection measures are located on Estate so please use common sense. With the previous opening of Ben Damph Estate, this allows access from Glen Torridon to all the Corbetts on the south side of the glen, access to Munros, Beinn Liath Mhor, Sgorr Ruadh, and Maol Chean-dearg, as well as the historic Coulin Pass. Access is available from Achnashellach Station to Beinn Liath Mhor, Sgorr Ruadh, and Fuar Tholl. We have had a report of restrictive signs on Fuar Tholl, although these would seem to be unjustified. We are also advised of a sign on the farm gate at Coulags advising no access to Maol Chean-dearg, although it can be reached without problem from Annat. Torridon Access agreed via Coire Mhic Nobuil to Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg (finest of all Corbetts). Full access has now been opened to Liathach, the NTS having withdrawn their restriction on entry to Coire Mhic Nobuil. Scottish Natural Heritge have announced that access will now be allowed to Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve. Restricted access is also open to Beinn Damh and Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire via path opposite Loch Torridon Hotel. There has been no restriction on access from Grudie bridge, Loch Maree in the Wills estate - so you can get to the northern slopes of Ruadh Stac Mor. Slioch is now being accessed via Incheril and HRC have opened the car park there. All routes leading from this car park are official "Rights of Way" and as such can legally be used by everyone. There is livestock in the area and visitors must avoid coming into contact with them. The Heights of Kinlochewe are also accessible from this point.   Glen Creran There is unrestricted access to Beinn Sgulaird from Loch Creran -start of footpath into Glen Creran. Also open is Scottish Natural Heritage's Glasdrum Nature Reserve there.   Glencoe Access onto Bidean nam Bian via Coire nan Beith. has now been opened. The path leading to Glen Creran from Ballachulish is open - but you're asked to keep to the track in the lower stretches as the surrounding area is grazed by livestock. With the Forestry ground in Glen Duror and Glenachulish available access should be OK to Beinn a' Bheithir. Access to Buachaille Etive Mor and Stob na Broige is from the A82 at Altnafeadh while access to Bein Fhada, Stob Coire Sgreamhach, Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire nan Lochan is from the two lay-bys west of Allt-na-reigh on the A82. Disinfectant baths will be provided and the public are requested to use them and co-operate with a number of other simple requests. NTS have since added the Glen Etive and Dalness areas to the "open list". The key additions are therefore the 2 lairigs, Gartain and Eilde, and the wee Buachaille (Etive Beag). The Aonach Eagach ridge has also now been opened. Access from east to west only. No access to The Pap. Coire Beith also remains closed at this time. Contact the NTS Visitor Centre tel.01855 811307 or e-mail glencoe@nts.org.uk for more info.

Ben Nevis / Lochaber Beinn Teallach and Beinn a' Chaorainn are available from Roughburn. The Grey Corries / Easains The Grey Corries are open but only via Fersit car park (GR NN 349:783) From Killiechonate Forest, Grey Corries and the mountains west of Loch Treig, access to the Spean Glen can only be gained via Fersit car park at the north end of Loch Treig, west side. There is no access via Lairig Leach to Corriechoille and Glen Spean. Sheep are lambing in an enclosed area through which the path crosses. Local businesses have formed the Lochaber Mountain Access Group which have been active in working with the major landowners on Ben Nevis, British Aluminium and the John Muir Trust, to secure access to Ben Nevis and Surrounding peaks. They are continuing to push for further areas to be opened up. The Mamores: Steall flats through the Glen Nevis Gorge will be accessible from Friday 13th April. This leads on to the Mamore range which can also be accessed from Kinlochleven from 13th April. Polldubh crags on the lower slopes of Ben Nevis are also available. Access to this area is with the agreement of all landowners concerned: Forest Enterprise, Alcan, Glen Nevis Estates and the JMT. JMT map of the open area Ben Nevis can be accessed via the traditional "tourist path" from Achintee, or the Youth Hostel in Glen Nevis. The north side of Ben Nevis can also be accessed from two points. One at Nevis Range Ski Centre at Aonach Mor and a second at Torlundy Car Park. All climbers and walkers will be required to access and exit the mountains at these points and to move through disinfectant footbaths. Aonach Mor: Access is agreed for the high ground between Aonach Mor/Aonach Beag/Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis and the climbing cliffs above 2,000 ft on these mountains. There is also a walking route from Torlundy Car Park via the Meall an t-Suidhe link path and hence by the Upper Ben Path to the summit. Access has NOT been agreed from Steall. Corrour: Corrour Estate say that the Beinn na Lap group are still closed but Carn Dearg & Sgorr Gaibhre will be open from 1 May - access from Corrour station via road to the isles path which is signposted opposite the youth hostel. They ask people to avoid the road on the south side of Loch Ossian. There is also access to Leum Uilleim. Gulvain: Fassfern Estate (at Kinlocheil) have opened the access to Gulvain. They are only allowing access to the south side from Kinlocheil via Gleann Fionnlighe and the recognised route up the SW spur. Providing walkers follow the "Comeback Code" this should be fine unless things start to get worse. Glenfinnan / Glen Dessary: Further along the Road to the Isles, Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr nan Coireachan can be accessed from Glenfinnan. The whole of Glen Dessary (including access to Sgurr Mor) is now open. Local businesses have formed the Lochaber Mountain Access Group which have been active in working with the major landowners on Ben Nevis, British Aluminium and the John Muir Trust, to secure access to Ben Nevis and Surrounding peaks. They are continuing to push for further areas to be opened up. Lochaber Mountain Access Group press releases Local guide, Alan Kimber, is collating local information John Muir Trust   Gairloch / Fisherfield Area Access to Fisherfield/Letterewe is now available from Poolewe via track alongside River Ewe or by Londubh footpath to Kernsary. This gives access to Corbetts Beinn Airigh Charr and Beinn Lair as well as access to Slioch from the north, A'Mhaighdean and the rest of the classic round of six Munros as well as through route options to and from Dundonnel. Little Gruinard Estate (part of Letterewe and Fisherfield Estate) This area is a sheep farm but the owners have said there is no problem with visitors walking along the track from Grid Ref 935 900 towards Fionn Loch, but returning the same way. It is a particularly beatiful low level walk. The owners request that dogs presently are not taken. Having taken fresh advice from both the Department of Agriculture and Highland Council, Gairloch Estate lifted the restriction on access up the ( Poca Buidhe ) path from Red Stables. The track from Loch Bad an Sgalaig to Poca Buidhe can be used to access Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin. (see also our rock climbing page)

 

The Cairngorms Access is available to most of the Glenmore and Rothiemurchus Forests. The Forestry Commission are keeping the Sugar Bowl car park and the path through the Chalamain Gap closed to protect the reindeer herd. Please use the Coire Cas (Ski) car park or Loch Morlich car parks for access instead. The Cairngorm Ranger Service and landowners HIE have stated that they see no problem with climbing in the Northern Corries. The access point should only be from the Cairngorm Ski car park. There are no deer in the corries and the reindeer are similarly lower down the hill. The reindeer herder has installed disinfectant from the lower path off the car park and asks visitors not to approach any animals they see. Access to Bynack More and the Corbett Meall a' Bhuachaille can be gained via Bynack Stables. RSPB notices there apparently apply to lower ground. There are special restrictions on Ben Macdui following the air crash there. Glen Feshie: The Forestry Commission have opened the parking area is at the bell mouth to a forest road at OS Grid Reference NH853013. By following this road and a subsequent track adjacent to the Allt Ruadh, more open hill ground is reached after 0.5 mile. This route gives access to Sgor Gaoith, Sgoran Dubh Mor and Sgoran Dubh Beag. It is the preferred access at present to the mountains normally accessed through Achlean Farm where there is currently livestock. This route has been opened with the co-operation of Scottish Natural Heritage.   more info   The Forestry Commission The FC have been opening forests for access, where it is safe to do so. For the latest listing check www.forestry.gov.uk/placestogo and follow the various links from that page. More forest openings have been announced, and they may even be struggling on the ground to remove restriction notices from open areas. During the week the public enquiries number 0131 314 6322 can be used to give updates on forest openings.   England and Wales A new 'Framework for Re-opening Rights of Way and Access Land', published by the DETR on Wednesday 25th April. The British Mountaineering Council response. The BMC has a facility on its web site 'Foot and Mouth Location Watch', the site has on it a list of crags which are accessible as well as what is 'closed'. The site will be up-dated as more info comes to light. It can be found at www.thebmc.co.uk   Ireland Restrictions on walking and climbing in the Republic of Ireland are lifted as of May 11th. (There has been a total ban without exceptions on hillwalking and rural climbing.) It is possible from then to hillwalk and climb provided various precautions are taken. These include responsible behaviour, keeping away from susceptible animals (sheep, goats, deer, pigs and cattle), keeping dogs on leads and disinfecting footwear before and after use. The full Dept of Agriculture rules as they apply to recreational activies are on the MCI Website www.mountaineering.ie where there is also a discussion server.

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