Walkers have freedom of access to wild areas in Scotland with or without the landowners permission, but the law does state " freedom of responsible access", this means having due consideration for the day-to-day business of estates, especially during the deer stalking season. Hill walkers should not light fires, leave litter of any sort and should take particular care when crossing fences or walls.

There are many upland areas in Scotland which are unaffected by deer stalking, and other seasonal outdoor sports, like those reserves operated by Scottish Natural Heritage and National Trust for Scotland properties.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the Scottish Landowners Federation jointly publish a booklet called "Heading for the Scottish Hills" which contains useful information. Maps of the mountainous parts of the Highlands, Islands and Borders show the boundaries of the principal estates,   lists are available which give details of estate contacts so that intending visitors can obtain information about estate activities and plan their expeditions accordingly. Sadly in some areas local stalkers and keepers have gone ex-directory, no doubt fed-up with an increasing number of phone calls from hill walkers.