The Chesthill Countryside Wheel

Welcome to a Year in the Countryside, seen from the highland perspective.

Click on each month in the wheel opposite to find out:

• What is happening in the mountains, on the rivers and across the farmland
• How to enjoy the outdoors responsibly

Click here for Advice on Hillwalking - Download a PDF leaflet - 850KB Download ( includes route card and other local walks). The brochure gives guidance on the Access Code on how to take into consideration local land use and seasonal activities and how you can fit in and help.

If you want to walk in late August, September, October and November please contact the estate in advance. This is the critical part of our deer stalking programme. By contacting us you can avoid conflicting with our programme and avoid dsappointment. We will help you find alternative venues over this short period.

ESTATE MANAGEMENT and RURAL PROGRAMMES

LAND BASED PROGRAMMES

• Heather Burning - April
  This burns off the old rank heather and allows for the new fresh shoots to come through, which young deer and grouse feed upon.
  
• Nesting Time - May
  It is crucial that at this time of year when the ground nesting birds, such as the red grouse, golden plover and many other species are most vulnerable, that they do not get disturbed. PLEASE KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD AT ALL TIMES
  
• Deer Calving Time - May / June
  Do not be tempted to touch any of the calves that you may come across, for by doing so you are putting your smell onto the calf and when the mother (hind) returns she will not recognise the smell as hers and she may abandon it. The hind naturally leaves the calves for long periods of time as they are safer hidden in the long heather rather than running alongside the hind.
  
• The Stag Cull - 1st July – 20th October
  
• The Hind Cull - 21st October – 15th February
  The need for a cull is even more apparent, with deer numbers increasing and their range decreasing. It is essential to ensure the long term welfare of the herds and that the old, the weak, the sick and the injured are culled.
  
• The Rut - September – December
  This is the Breeding season for the red deer. You may well hear the stags roaring, warning each other of their presence and should you be very lucky you may see these majestic animals battling for supremacy within the herds. The Code asks visitors to find out where stalking and culling is taking place and to stay off open hill when stalking is taking place. Estate owners and Land Managers are asked to inform the public daily of these activities and where they are taking place. Advice is to be given of alternative walking sites which visitors are encouraged to use.
  
• The Grouse Season - 12th August – 10th December
  Much of the Highlands economy depends upon grouse shooting. Years of careful habitat management have not only resulted in adequate grouse numbers but also a wide diversity of other flora and fauna, many of which may otherwise not be present in the uplands of Scotland. The Code asks visitors to be alert to the possibility that shooting is taking place, seek and use alternative routes, Avoid crossing land until it is safe to do so. Land managers should be aware where recreation might take place and attempt to advise the visitor and publish alternative routes accordingly.
  
• Fishing
  Fishing is a peaceful and pastoral sport, which contributes significantly to the rural economy in Glen lyon.
• The Code is inconclusive in its advice.
  Fishing is a peaceful and pastoral sport which contributes significantly to the rural economy in Glen Lyon. The river is very narrow and extremely dangerous in the lower glen and water sports are not recommended because of this and the avoidable clash with fishing. We would ask visitors to check where it might be appropriate to carry out water sports locally. There are recognised places such as Grandtully and Loch Tay where facilities are first class. In addition it would be helpful to contact the Estate to find out whether the proposed activity will conflict with local programmes and fishing.

Responsible Hill Walking And Other Access On Highland Estates

UNDERSTANDING HIGHLAND ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Scotland’s Countryside : Rivers, Hills and Mountains: The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Under Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003

There is a statutory right of access to most land and inland waterways. People only have these rights of access if they exercise them responsibly by respecting people’s privacy, safety and livelihoods, and Scotland’s environment. Equally land managers have to manage their land and water responsibly in relation to access rights.

The Access Code

The code is based on three key principles and these apply equally to the public and the land manager:

• Respect for the interests of other people. Act with courtesy, consideration and awareness.
• Care for the environment. Look after the places you visit and enjoy and leave the land as you find it.
• Take responsibility for your actions. Remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk free. Act with care at all times for your own safety and that of others.

How can I help?

• Ask locally if there is any specific estate activity planned for the days when you plan to take off into the hills or access a piece of water. Stalking, shooting and fishing is very important to local economy. A minor adjustment to your plans may help avoid disruption to the estate work while ensuring that you have a more enjoyable and rewarding outing.
• Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office.
• Comply with local notices and requests. Stay on recognised paths, tracks or routes – They are advised for a reason
• Keep dogs on leads at all times
• Be quiet – watch – listen - learn and enjoy
• Remember, you are a stranger in a natural and wild environment, be as discreet and as unobtrusive as you can
• Please take all your litter home with you. Don’t leave anything behind which might injure or maim animals
• Avoid the risk of fire.

Local Help

• Ask the owner of the property that you are staying in
• Local Tourist office in Aberfeldy ( tel: 01887 820276)
• Local shops will know how to contact land owners
• Take a Highland Safari into the countryside, which will be led by a knowledgeable guide
• Estates may be contacted in advance through ‘Going to the Scottish Hills’ or via the Tourist Office
• Other agencies can be contacted through national and local directories.

‘Know The Code’

We hope that all visitors to Highland Perthshire enjoy their stay and hope you will take into consideration the management practices that take place in the surrounding land.