Loch Lomond park bosses urge visitors to ‘plan ahead’ after busy weekend
Day-trippers to the Trossachs are being encouraged to explore the whole area as coronavirus travel restrictions ease, after car parks at the most popular beauty spots were overflowing at the weekend.
Cars were pictured lining the verges of the road near Ben A’an, while Stirling Council was handing out fines to drivers parked illegally.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The high volume of visitors we are now experiencing does bring with it challenges, especially when it comes to parking and litter.
“Both our car parks and our bins filled very quickly on Saturday and that led to irresponsible parking on road verges and litter left on the ground in some of our most popular destinations.
“These actions can appear harmless but in fact, we saw incidents last year where emergency services couldn’t gain access because of irresponsible parking and litter is a real issue for wildlife here.”
The influx in visitors came after the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced travel between local authority areas would be permitted from Friday.
This coincided with a relaxation on social gatherings, with up to six people from up to six households allowed to meet outdoors.
With a wider return to normality on the way, and summer on the horizon, the authority is urging visitors to be sensible.
Mr Watson said: “I would encourage anyone planning a trip to the National Park in the coming weeks to plan ahead to make their visit as safe and enjoyable as possible.
“While it’s tempting to head to popular destinations such as Luss and Balmaha, there are dozens of equally stunning spots off the beaten track, where you can escape the crowds. Loch Goil and the Cowal Peninsula are quieter and well worth a visit.”
“These actions can appear harmless but in fact, we saw incidents last year where emergency services couldn’t gain access because of irresponsible parking”
Gordon Watson, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority
After the easing of travel restrictions at the weekend, many people were travelling to the hills for the first time this year.
Stuart Younie, CEO at Mountaineering Scotland, told GS News it was great to see people getting outdoors.
“The last 12 months have shown everybody how important outdoor recreation is for our physical and mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“I think anything we can do to improve access has got to be a positive thing, because it helps people to get out and enjoy the amazing countryside we’ve got in Scotland.”
The national body – which represents hill walkers, mountaineers, climbers and snowsport tourers – is encouraging visitors to think “out of the box” on places to go.
There are also warnings that a “cultural shift” is needed away from our reliance on cars.
Mr Younie said: “I think we really need to look at much more investment in an integrated public transport system that really connects people up more effectively than it does at the moment. We are way off where we need to be when we compare ourselves to other European countries.
“I know places like national parks are starting to explore shuttle bus-type options. We’ve definitely got to start looking at that, and if it can be integrated with the trains and other public transport then it means more people who can’t drive can access the outdoors as well.
“I think we need a cultural shift away from people being so reliant on their cars. How do you manage that behavioural change?
“That’s really difficult at the moment because cars are so convenient and accessible, and a lot of people have them. That does not mean we shouldn’t be trying to do it.”
Information from the area’s car parks can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/visitors or follow @lomondtrossachs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for live updates.
