Scotland's mountaineers want to know if walkers experience any problems exercising their legal right of access on an estate in Highland Perthshire.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) says there have been problems on the North Chesthill Estate in Glen Lyon which have resulted in complaints from hill walkers who feel they have been obstructed.
The MCofS is launching an online survey to gauge the extent of the problem.
The body says as well as being internationally renowned for its beauty, Glen Lyon is home to a popular circuit of four Munros (mountains over 3000 ft) but at the most popular starting point for the walk, a gate is regularly locked and signs imply access is forbidden.
MCofS chief officer David Gibson said the estate has been restricting the statutory right of access for years.
"Perth and Kinross Council, the Perth and Kinross Outdoor Access Forum, Ramblers Scotland and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland have all been involved in discussions with the owner but he still continues to lock gates and erect signs stating 'Deer management in progress - please walk elsewhere'," he said.
But Major Alastair Riddell, who owns the estate, insisted the estate made every effort to accommodate walkers while trying to operate a hill sheep and deer stalking business.
He said that new access had been opened to avoid safety issues. He added: "The area affected by hill walking access is in the heart of the estate and is a relatively small area.This makes it very difficult, if not impossible to provide alternative routes on the estate when deer stalking is taking place."
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