SNH Initiatives
Hillphones
Dialogue resolves conflict!……. and an imaginative scheme organised jointly by SNH, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and participating estates proves it.
The Hillphone, a recorded message answering service gives information on where stalking is occurring in 12 areas of Scotland during August to October. You can view the Hillphones map, Hillphones number and Stalking dates by going to the Hillphones micro site here.
The information is provided to enable hillwalkers and climbers to find out where stag stalking is taking place and to plan routes avoiding stalking operations. Recorded messages are updated by 8.00am each day and calls are charged at normal rates. Wherever possible, Hillphone messages contain a forecast of stalking activities for the next few days. It may help to have a map beside you when you call the Hillphone.
he Hillphone service is supported by the Access Forum, and has been organised by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, SNH and the participating estates. The service aims to improve communications between stag stalkers and hillwalkers.Please be aware that deer stalking takes place elsewhere in the Highlands and not just in the Hillphone areas. Also, whilst the stag stalking season finishes on October 20th, the hind cull continues until February 16th, although many estates finish the cull by the end of December. There is no stalking on Sundays.Walkers can help to minimise disturbance in the stalking season by following:
- The main established hill paths
- Prominent ridges and spurs on hills, especially in descent
- Main routes through glens
- Principal watercourses when descending open hillsides
Further information and advice to hillwalkers is available on the following websites:
More specific information about access is often available on websites operated by estates, communities, islands or area tourist boards.