The Isle of Mull. Terry Marsh

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       on all other paths and tracks where these cross land on which access rights can be exercised

       on grass sports or playing fields, when not in use, and on land or inland water developed or set out for a recreational purpose, unless the exercise of access rights would interfere with the carrying on of that recreational use

       golf courses, but only for crossing them and providing that you do not take access across greens or interfere with any games of golf

       on, through or over bridges, tunnels, causeways, launching sites, groynes, weirs, boulder weirs, embankments of canals and similar waterways, fences, walls or anything designed to facilitate access (such as gates or stiles)

      Farmyards are not included in the right of access, but you may still take access through farmyards by rights of way, custom or tradition. Farmers are encouraged to sign alternative routes if they do not want people passing through their farmyard. If you are going through a farmyard, proceed with care and respect the privacy of those living on the farm.

      There have been a few, but not many, issues of access on Mull and Iona, always in the vicinity of farms. Most have to do with dogs not appropriately restrained. Please show due consideration when near farms; these are working environments, and a lack of understanding can generate difficulties for the people who manage and work the land.

      Access rights do not apply to houses or other buildings, or to the immediate surrounding areas, including garden ground. Access rights apply to the woodland and grassland areas within the ‘policies’ of large estates but not to the mown lawns near the house.

      The above is not a complete statement of the law as it applies in Scotland, and is no substitute for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. For more information and to download a copy of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, see www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland.

      About dogs

      Keep your dog under proper control:

       do not let it worry or attack livestock

       do not take it into a field where there are calves or lambs

       keep it on a short lead or under close control in fields where there are farm animals

       if cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field

       keep it on a short lead or under close control during the bird breeding season (usually April to July) in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore

       pick up and remove any faeces if your dog defecates in a public open place.

Stalking

      Wild deer stalking is an essential part of the deer management programme, and takes place between July and February. Stalking does not occur on Sundays. Unlike, say, the Isle of Skye, Mull does not have a Hillphone system that you can call to check about stalking. You need to phone the relevant estate office.

      Deer stalking occurs on a number of estates on Mull. The red deer stag stalking season runs from 1 July to 20 October; the red deer hind stalking season from 21 October to 15 February. Locally these dates vary from one estate to the next, but given such a wide time span, it is a courtesy (at the least) and wisdom (at best) to check with the relevant estate offices (see Appendix C) whether there is going to be any stalking in the areas you intend to visit.

      The ridge to Dun da Ghaoithe from Mainnir nam Fiadh (Walk 2.14)

      Notices are sometimes posted at entrances to estate lands where stalking may be taking place, but this is not a requirement, not always done, not always possible and is not done consistently across the island. Do not presume that the absence of any such notices means that there is no stalking taking place; check!

Safety

      The fundamentals of safety in the hills should be known by everyone heading for Mull intent on walking, but no apology is made for reiterating some basic dos and don’ts.

       Always take the basic minimum kit with you: sturdy boots, warm, windproof clothing, waterproofs (including overtrousers), hat or balaclava, gloves or mittens, spare clothing, maps, compass, whistle, survival bag, emergency rations, first aid kit, food and drink for the day, all carried in a suitable rucksack

       Let someone know where you are going

       Learn to use a map and compass effectively, and don’t venture into hazardous terrain until you can

       Make sure you know how to get a local weather forecast

       Know basic first aid – your knowledge could save a life

       Plan your route according to your ability, and be honest about your ability and expertise

       Never be afraid to turn back

       Be aware of your surroundings – keep an eye on the weather, your companions, and other people

       Take extra care during descent

       Be winter-wise – snow lingers in the corries well into summer. If snow lies across or near your intended route, take an ice axe (and the knowledge to use it properly).

       Have some idea of emergency procedures. As a minimum you should know how to call out a mountain rescue team (dial 999), and, from any point in your walk, know the quickest way to a telephone. You should also know something of the causes, treatment and ways of avoiding mountain hypothermia.

       Respect the mountain environment – be conservation minded

      On Mull it is vital to be properly equipped and to walk within your capabilities and experience; self-sufficiency is especially important here. There is no mountain rescue service on Mull – the nearest is in Oban. So, the consequences of an accident may well be far worse than if rescue was closer to hand. Be well prepared.

      In the event of an accident, telephone the police, but bear in mind, too, that mobile phone reception on Mull is neither extensive nor reliable.

Maps

      1:50,000

      All the walks in this book can be found on the following Ordnance Survey Landranger Sheets:

       47 Tobermory and North Mull

       48 Iona and West Mull

       49 Oban and East Mull.

      1:25,000

      Of greater use to walkers on Mull are Ordnance Survey Explorer maps, and for the whole of Mull you will need the following sheets:

       373 Iona, Staff and Ross of Mull

       374 Isle of Mull North and Tobermory

       375 СКАЧАТЬ