Ramblers Scotland

18/08/2026

📣 NatureScot has spoken out over North Chesthill Estate telling people to ‘walk elsewhere’ in September and October, affecting 4 Munros at Glen Lyon in Perthshire.

In a welcome intervention, the government nature agency says:

“We have been in contact with North Chesthill Estate about concerns raised by the public and Ramblers Scotland about restrictive signage and its impact on public access. The estate doesn’t always appear to be compliant with Scotland’s access rights and the associated landowner duties, and we strongly urge the estate to reconsider its approach, working closely with its local access authority, Perth and Kinross Council.”

We’re campaigning to stop a repeat of autumn 2025’s access fiasco at these popular Munros north of Invervar: Càrn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Càrn Mairg and Creag Mhòr. Please sign our petition. 👇

Together, let’s deliver a common-sense solution that benefits both walkers and stalkers - just like at other estates, right across Scotland.

ScotWays Walkhighlands

13/08/2026

A very high wildfire warning is in place for Eastern Highlands, Eastern and Southern Scotland from today (Wednesday, 12 August) until Thursday, 13 August.

Everyone should avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues. A single spark can cause significant damage, and there is no such thing as a harmless fire.

You can help prevent the risk of wildfires by sharing this post with your family, friends, and any visitors or tourists.

If you see an outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.

12/08/2026

Remember when a Glen Lyon landowner blocked access to 4 Munros for 2 months last year?

Well, sadly he's at it again - and we need your help. 👇🏻

North Chesthill Estate is once again telling people to "walk elsewhere" throughout September and October.

So we've today launched a petition to challenge the 2-month blockade of these popular hills north of Invervar.

✅ PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION: ramblers.org.uk/glenlyon

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code says landowners can ask the public to use alternative nearby routes when they’re stalking on specific days and at specific locations.

But it does not allow a unilateral 2-month ban across an entire 2,600-hectare estate – impacting upon residents, visitors, health and the local economy.

Other Scottish estates continue to prove that deer stalking and responsible access can go hand-in-hand.

Why not North Chesthill?

Join Ramblers Scotland, The Ramblers, Walkhighlands and ScotWays in standing up for Scotland’s world-class access rights at Glen Lyon. Sign our petition today. 👇🏻

(📸 by Iain Cameron, autumn 2025.)

11/08/2026

💪🏻 Cracking news for "the jewel in Drumchapel's crown".

We've been granted £40k to support our work with local volunteers to breathe new life into The Drumchapel Way, a 5-mile circular route in north-west Glasgow.

The cash comes from the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund, delivered by Glasgow City Council.

The Drumchapel Way visits attractive green spaces, woods and nature reserves - but some sections have suffered from litter, fly-tipping and poor way-marking. 🌳

We've already enjoyed working with residents to begin checking for problems, removing rubbish and planning improvements.

With just a bit more TLC, the Drumchapel Way has huge potential to be even more beneficial to people from Drumchapel and beyond.

Drumchapel resident Andy Lynch says: "The Drumchapel Way is a fantastic walk. It's the jewel in Drumchapel’s crown, offering peace, tranquillity and an abundance of wildlife. However, in parts it can be very boggy and needs upgrading. Some litter bins and signage are also required."

We can't wait to put the money to good use, by improving and maintaining the Way in the months ahead. 👍🏻

20/07/2026

"A great path isn't always the quickest way from A-to-B through a landscape, but it's part of that landscape, and its history."

We joined BBC Radio Scotland for a walk on the bonnie east bank of Loch Lomond, an unforgettable stretch of the West Highland Way.

This 7-mile path stands proudly as one of the 8 finalists in The Ramblers' Britain's Favourite Path competition, supported by Postcode Lottery UK players.

🔊 Tune in to the conversation below - and vote before 31 July! ⤵️

The West Highland Way Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Go Wild Loch Lomond Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs

20/07/2026

16/07/2026

Sadly a wildfire is burning near Glenmore in Cairngorms National Park. 🌳🔥

If you were planning a walk nearby, please follow the latest official advice on road closures, safety precautions and about which areas to avoid.

Our thoughts are with all affected by - and responding to - this major fire.

**UPDATED 21:55 on 15 July

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that emergency services continue to tackle a large-scale wildfire covering more than two kilometres in width near to Glenmore.

A number of homes and businesses including campsites and ski resorts within the Glenmore Forest Park area have been closed and evacuated as a safety precaution due to the close proximity to the incident.

As of 9pm on Wednesday night (15 July), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service currently has six fire appliances, a wildfire unit, specialist resources and tactical commanders mobilised to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 12pm earlier today.

Firefighters are working with landowners to contain the incident and create fire breaks, with high winds causing the fire to spread across areas of trees and woodland. There are no reported casualties.

Road closures continue to be in place to support the emergency response, and people are asked to avoid the area within Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich on Thursday, 16 July as this incident continues.

We will share updates as the situation continues. In the meantime, our thanks go out to the emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff and many others from across the community who are working non-stop to get these fires under control, and providing support to those affected.

**UPDATED 20:06 on 15 July

Emergency services and partners are continuing to respond to this wildfire.

A number of properties and premises in the area have been evacuated as a precaution.

The Ski Road is currently closed.

Anyone walking in the Cairngorms should avoid the area and let family or friends know when they have returned.

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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners are currently in attendance at a large fire in the open near to Ryvoan Bothy within the Cairngorms National Park.

Due to large volumes of smoke travelling towards populated areas nearby, residents in Aviemore, Glenmore and the surrounding communities should keep their windows and doors closed. If you are within this area and can see or smell smoke, please follow the same advice. If you are aware of someone hiking in the area, please ask them to get themselves safely off any surrounding hills as soon as possible.

The Fire Service has asked that people avoid the Glenmore and Aviemore area, and remain vigilant. We will post further updates when we have them.

14/07/2026

Championing Scotland's paths! 🥾

A big thank you to Jenny Young MSP for joining our Policy Manager Gavin Corbett for a walk today at her local West Lothian hill, the much-loved Cockleroy.

The Scottish Labour Party MSP is Scottish Environment LINK's Nature Champion for Paths within The Scottish Parliament, so today's walk was a perfect chance to discuss the many health, social and economic benefits that good quality trails provide to people in Scotland.

We look forward to further conversations with Jenny, and politicians from across the political spectrum, on how we can support more people to walk in nature! 🌄 The Ramblers

10/07/2026

Royal recognition for an outdoor access hero! 👑

Congratulations to our respected access volunteer John Andrews, who was invited to join the King and Queen at a Royal Garden Party in Edinburgh - recognising his half a century of championing walkers' rights.

John sits on Ramblers Scotland's Access Sub-Committee and is our Area Access Officer for Perth & Kinross. His persistence in challenging unfair restrictions has helped protect and reopen walking routes across Angus, Fife, Perth & Kinross and Stirlingshire.

Before moving to Scotland, John spent much of his life in Suffolk, where his painstaking research proved the existence of dozens of historic paths. His work also supported a landmark Court of Appeal case in 2015 that strengthened walkers' rights.

As those who nominated John said: "Respected across the Ramblers community, John exemplifies integrity, perseverance, and service - an outstanding volunteer whose lifelong dedication has transformed access to the countryside for all."

As well as his access campaigning, John remains a hugely active walker - as pictured, at a past Ramblers Scotland: The Gathering festival.

Well done, John. And thank you from all of us throughout The Ramblers.👏

03/07/2026

Did you know we’ve launched a Ramblers Weekly Lottery? 🎉

You could win cash prizes every Friday – including a £10,000 jackpot 👀

Plus, with every £1 ticket you’ll be helping to protect paths and improve access to nature 💚

Join from just £1 a week, and you’ll automatically be entered into every draw.