Читать книгу The Speyside Way. A Scottish Great Trail, includes the Dava Way and Moray Coast trails онлайн

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The late summer and early autumn months, from August to October, are not ideal for the Stage 1 or 1A walks of the Prologue, nor the Glen Banchor route in Stage 2. This is the period when deer stalking takes place in the Highland estates, and not only can it be dangerous to walk in areas where a stalk is taking place, but the presence of walkers can disrupt the sport, which is a vital part of the Highland economy. Be sure to first contact the relevant estate if considering walking these routes during this period (the ‘Hillphones’ service, see Appendix B, is the easiest way to make contact with the keepers and learn the whereabouts and dates of the stalking activities in the area).

A pest in these mountain areas is the notorious Highland midge, whose frenzied biting has to be experienced to be fully appreciated! Fortunately, they are less of a problem in the eastern Highlands than in western areas; and far fewer will be encountered in the valley and low-lying areas through which the three main trails pass than in the mountain country of the Prologue walks. It is a good idea to carry a midge repellent. The first frosts of autumn kill off this pest until the following spring. They are most active between early June and late September and on overcast, calm days.