Updated 30 October 2024
The Land Reform Scotland (2003) Act and Scottish Outdoor Access Code do not confer a right of vehicle access to the private road through Glen Strathfarrar.
Mountaineering Scotland has worked closely with Braulen Estate and East Monar Estate to reinstate the concession which allows vehicle access over the winter period (approx. 1st November to 31st March) when the private glen road is closed to public vehicles. This arrangement with the estates applies only to Mountaineering Scotland members who should submit requests to access the glen by vehicle at least 2 working days before their intended visit.
Please note that if accessing the glen by foot or bike, you can do so without registering your visit with Mountaineering Scotland.
The winter vehicle access arrangements include conditions which apply to hillwalkers and climbers wishing to take advantage of the arrangement. Members should be aware that the road is neither cleared of snow or gritted during this period so particular care will be required when driving along the glen in winter conditions.
It is important to strictly observe all the conditions below, otherwise the arrangement is jeopardised for other members of Mountaineering Scotland.
Estate staff undertake extensive deer stalking during the winter, with challenging deer hind cull targets to meet in winter conditions. The conditions attached to vehicular access are requested by estate staff to avoid potentially disrupting this stalking, making it harder to meet deer management targets.
There are significant sensitivities around ongoing provision, due in the main to the behaviour of some individuals who have previously ignored conditions. The arrangement will therefore be subject to a review for continuity following this winter season.
The main condition is that vehicular access is limited to the following destinations only:
Cars may be parked at four agreed locations only (see further info below):
Disturbance to deer is a serious issue for the estates and to reduce disturbance to critical deer culling we strongly advise that members follow the main routes and ridges to get to and from the summits and climbing crags as listed above. This arrangement for vehicular access does not extend to lower level walks in the glen during the winter period and members who do not follow the main routes may put this agreement at risk.
It is important to note that, in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, members should be prepared to take reasonable advice on the day from estate staff and may be asked to change their plans.
Before you go:
During your visit:
Mountaineering Scotland members can fill in the online request form, making sure to include all the information requested. If experiencing difficulty with this you may email us at info@mountaineering.scot or call 01738 493942. You will receive email confirmation of the details along with the padlock code and how to access the glen.
How much notice is required?
Requests for access should be submitted by 1pm at least 2 working-days’ notice in advance of your intended day of visit, so that we can pass on the information to the estates in good time for the stalkers to take it into account. Please note our office is open Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri 9am-4.30pm.
So, for example if your intended visit is on a Thursday, please submit your request by 1pm on the Tuesday at the latest; If you would like to visit the glen on a weekend or Monday, please let us know by 1pm the preceeding Thursday at the latest. If you contact us on a Friday or on the day of your intended visit, we may not be able to inform estate staff in time for your visit and vehicle access will not be allowed.
Please note a maximum of 3 cars per day will be permitted into the glen.
What information should be provided?
When you contact us, please provide the following details:
We will pass this information to estate staff.
Need to change the date or other details?
Please ensure you advise us of the change before you go, in order that we can inform estate staff. Similarly, if you change your vehicle or the members of your party change, please let us know as soon as possible
Winter vehicle access is conditional upon members parking in the following designated locations to walk or climb the following routes or crags:
Park at Mhullie Greens / Allt Coire Mhuillidh (Grid ref: NH 283386) for:
Park at start of the Allt Toll a'Mhuic (Grid ref: NH 223392) for:
Park at the Power Station at Gleann Innis an Loichel (Grid ref: NH 183381) for:
Park before Loch Monar dam head (grid ref NH 203394) for:
The blue padlock has a 4-digit code (see photo). To operate the padlock:
The gatekeeper is not available to provide advice or assistance during the winter access period and you SHOULD NOT contact the gatehouse cottage nor telephone glen residents for any reason unless in an emergency of life and limb.
The private road is tarmac but is not gritted or cleared of snow and there may be areas of rough surface or potholes which could damage your vehicle if you do not exercise appropriate care. A related condition of the provision of winter vehicle access is that the estate will not accept any liability for damage to people or property caused in any way whatsoever by road or other conditions.
Be aware that estate staff and residents are not able to provide assistance to drivers and there is limited or no mobile phone signal in the glen at the time of writing (October 2024).
As with any other visitor to the glen you are asked to take litter home.
Members are reminded that continuity of this arrangement relies on them not breaking the conditions stated on this website. Access by members' vehicles is monitored closely by us and the estate, and failure to follow the conditions will put the continuation of this arrangement at risk. We have worked closely with the estate to maintain these arrangements and in the event that their staff make a formal complaint about a member we will deal with the matter through the Mountaineering Scotland Complaints Policy, which may result in sanctions being applied.
Deer management takes place on the Strathfarrar estates and may have implications for your walking or climbing plans. Please follow signs
and notices provided by the estate about deer stalking.
It is within your access rights to access the glen using non-motorised (disabled transport excepted) at all times of day or night, including wild camping (away from road and buildings). Please camp responsibly under the guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Your access rights do not, however, extend to your car, and, overnight parking is not permitted in Strathfarrar. If you wish to stay in the glen overnight you should either walk in, bike in, or arrange for someone to drop you off in the glen and then drive the vehicle out of the glen. Abuse of this arrangement could result in access to the glen for vehicles being revoked by the estate.
Please read the information below to find out how Mountaineering Scotland members can access Glen Strathfarrar by vehicle during the summer months (approx 1 April to 31 October).
During the summer season (30 March to end of October) vehicle access is available to everyone, though controlled by a gate-keeper and subject to a number of conditions (see below).
You do not need to advise Mountaineering Scotland if you wish to visit the glen during the summer access period.
Please note: during summer access arrangements, the glen is closed to vehicles:
Daily opening times are:
April 9am - 6pmOctober 9am - 6pm
Last vehicle access is one hour before closing time.
A maximum of 25 vehicles are permitted in the glen on a given day.
Vehicles can be parked at Mhullie Greens, just past Deanie power station at NH283386.
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