Читать книгу Walking on Rum and the Small Isles. Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll and Tiree онлайн

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A compass is indispensable and a ‘wristwatch’ altimeter is also very useful for navigation, especially on the hills of Rum. It’s not quite so easy to get lost when walking along the island coastlines, but it is important that you know exactly where you are, especially in poor weather or visibility and if for any reason you need to head inland from the coast.

Access

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 established legal right of non-motorised public access over most land and inland water in Scotland. The Act is supported by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. In effect, the Act means that walkers have the right to roam, but should exercise that right in ways which are compatible with land management needs. Forestry, deerstalking, grouse shooting, lambing and other farming and crofting practices are the activities most liable to restrict walkers’ movements. This is as much the case in the Hebrides as in the Highlands.

Except around Kinloch on Rum there is precious little forestry in the Small Isles, Coll and Tiree. Rum is also the only island with a deer population and, consequently, deerstalking. The stalking season runs from mid-August to mid-February: if you plan to walk on the island during this period it is advisable to contact the Head Stalker, Derek Thomson, on 01687 462030 or 07768 249833. Between March and May it is important to avoid disturbing sheep during lambing. Avoiding interference with other farming and crofting practices is usually accomplished with minimal inconvenience.