Colin

No apology necessary, I didn't consider the reply critical.

The dichotomy of maps is that they are out-of-date the day they are printed. We have all experienced paths that are on the map not being visible and paths which clearly visible not being on maps.

To use a well known phrase the only reliable way is "boots on the ground".

I can imagine the reception I would get as a "Sassenach" being met by a Scottish Farmer who has witnessed my size 10 boots trampling down his crop. Challenge Control would be going berserk trying find out which well I had "fallen" down.

But seriously despite having a freedom to roam we have to be respectful of peoples livelihoods.

Thanks for the tip about NO792811. I was so intent to trying to find the path I had missed the obvious i.e. the farm track down to A90.

See you in Montrose.

Map updating takes time. Fields near me were surveyed well over a year ago and the new buildings and new (electric!) fences haven't appeared on the OS Getamap page maps yet. The surveyor definitely knew about the fences, because he put his hand on one while his other hand was holding a metal pole planted in a puddle.

Pity you didn't have a camera pointing at that surveyor, Marion! Would have made the fence very memorable.

I recall once being followed at ever-increasing speed by a large herd of young cattle, and just beating them to a (mercifully low-ish) electric fence. Didn't know I still had such effective high-kicks in me at my age.