Ben Lawers 1214m Glen Lyon/Loch Tay, Section 2b OS 1:50 000 Sheet 51 : NN636414 Reclaiming the hills.

13th May 2001
Baggers Album ->Scotland->2b->Lawers

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Reopening Ben Lawers.

Setting out, unchallenged. The gate is new.. The ugly visitors centre was newly fenced off.
Beinn Ghlas from the 'open area'. This is currently being replanted with trees. This area s is fenced from deer and sheep. Why was it was 'closed' from February to May, when other private estates were still welcoming us?
Bert's Birthday. And a card presented on the bealach below Lawers. As I was rather unwell, this is far as I was to go.
Meall Corranaich from Beinn Ghlas. It was a glorious day.
Ben Lawers.
The NTS notice that betrays that the closure is more a case of introducing a lambing close season, rather than through fears of disease transmission.
	Map: Ben Lawers
	Despite constant reassurances as to the safety of hillwalking in the Provisionally Free Area (North of Edinburgh-Glasgow) and the fact that most hills in the Highlands were freely available subject to some very sensible requests, Perthshire was proving difficult. As well as the numerous small estates, not known for their love of folk tramping over 'their' hills, the National Trust for Scotland were proving difficult in constantly refusing to allow folk on to Ben Lawers. After a final refusal, it was decided to remind them that they were meant to keep the hills open. About 20 of us set out, but many followed, encouraged by seeing us on the hill. A great day was had, to the puzzlement of the NTS warden who was expecting argument and political confrontation. We just went for a walk. Two days later both Lawers and Ben Lomond were opened officially.