The Crianlarich hills are among those in the Hillphones scheme

Walkers in the Highlands are being warned to check whether deerstalking is taking place before setting off for the hills.

The Hillphones 2009 scheme is now in operation, enabling hillwalkers to find out whether there is activity on their chosen route. The system covers 12 mountain areas where deer culling takes place.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage run the scheme, which takes in 82 munros and 32 corbetts, along with other popular hills used by walkers. Phone numbers are available on which recorded messages can be heard, detailing stalking activities. The Hillphones numbers have been in operation since 1996 and rely on estates providing updated stalking information regularly. Calls are charged at normal phone rates.

The red deer stag stalking season runs from July to October, with the peak of the season towards the end of the period.

Hebe Carus, the MCofS access and conservation officer said: “Remember, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code requires walkers on the hills to ensure they take reasonable steps to find out where stalking is taking place, by accessing information such as the Hillphones service where one is available. Access rights are based on responsible behaviour and following the Code means walkers’ rights to enjoy access apply.”

Fiona Cuninghame, Hillphones co-ordinator for SNH said: “Hillphones is a popular scheme which provides a convenient way for walkers to find out about stalking, enabling walkers to enjoy their day on the hill, confident that they are not disturbing stalking.

“Whilst the season starts in July, stalking activity increases as the season progresses and for many estates October is their busiest time.”

This year 67,000 leaflets have been distributed throughout Scotland along with over 2,000 posters, at tourism information centres, outdoor shops, activity centres, hotels, B&Bs, bunkhouses and campsites.

Emma Paterson, Hillphones co-ordinator for Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay said: “As one of the first areas to be covered by the Hillphones service, the Glen Dochart and Glen Lochay one is still well used. We feel it is an important tool to inform the public that the Scottish countryside isn’t just a playground but also a work place for many people both in farming and field sports.”

Alastair MacGugan from the Deer Commission for Scotland said: “Culling deer is essential to generating significant income from a wild deer resource as well as maintaining high quality habitats and landscapes. By providing information on local culling activities Hillphones can play a vital role in achieving this. However Hillphones are only effective if the information provided is accurate. DCS would therefore encourage deer managers to ensure that the information provided is up to date and specific.”

Details can be found on the Hillphones website.