The Stalkerpath Phenomenon

By David Jarman

We all know and usually love “stalker’s paths” when they come in handy for our chosen hill.  But why were they made?  (stalking is not the right answer).  And when were they first called that, and by whom?  (they weren’t originally, they were ‘pony paths’).  Hamish’s favourite is on Gleouraich – where are yours?  His has splendid zigzags – but most ‘stalkerpaths’ don’t (we’re calling them that to save on apostrophe’s).