Red Deer and the smaller Roe Deer are both important wild species at Rothiemurchus. They have become fairly accustomed to people walking on the paths and if you remain watchful you can often see them feeding nearby throughout the year. They are wary of people however and when they see, hear or smell any dogs venturing off the paths they usually flee.
Wild deer exist in a delicate balance with their habitat, so we seek to maintain a settled and sustainable population by employing effective deer management, complying with Best Practice Guidance. This helps us achieve successful reproduction and good rates of calf survival, resulting in healthier populations. It also helps limit the impact deer have on natural vegetation and farmed crops and provides a regular supply of superb venison that is available from the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop.
During our main stalking season, 23rd September to 20th October, please use the established hill paths.
If accessing from the West (ie Carn Ban Mor, Allt Ruadh or Drakes Bothy etc) we would ask walkers to please stay on Sgor Gaoith/Argyle Stone Ridge until after 20th October rather than dropping down into Glen Einich.
If accessing from the North please use main Glen Einich track to the loch and then up the Corrie Dhontial path and Einich Cairn / Braeriach.
If accessing from the East please use Sorn na Lairige to access Braeriach.
To discuss alternative routes please contact our Rangers on T: 07887 648675 or e-mail them. Deer stalking keeps the deer population at a level which enables the exceptional regeneration of the native forest, a protected habitat.
Our deer stalking area is narrow, which means that deer can very easily be disturbed and moved over boundaries, making it difficult to achieve our cull target. Using established paths for a few weeks until 20th October will greatly help us carry out our work. Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
For the most up to date information please see the Scottish Hills web service.