I think it’s high time that Lochside camping in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park was banned. It seems that a few inconsiderate individuals are negatively impacting on the wonderful resource that is Loch Lomond.
On Sunday I was walking a section of the West Highland Way between Balmaha and Rowardennan and was appalled by the impact of camping on Loch Lomond. There seemed to be a group of tents surrounded by rubbish and debris every fifty yards along the loch side. We stopped for a picnic and couldn’t relax as our 20 month old son had to play amongst broken glass, old campfires and litter that were evidence of past campsites. This type of camping 5 minutes walk from your car is not “wild camping” or “responsible access” as defined by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and should be banned.
The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority needs to get a grip on this and stamp out this type of camping as it is ruinging huge swaths of some of the most popular areas of the national park. They give this advice on their website:
“Wild Camping
Camping wild is a great way to experience the spectacular scenery of the National Park, providing you act responsibly and leave the countryside as you found it.” Full camping advice…
In my opinion this is simply not good enough. There are numerous serviced campsites along both shores of Loch Lomond and therefore no reason for groups to wild camp on some of Loch Lomond’s most beautiful beaches and despoil the environment in this way. If they want to camp on Loch Lomond they should pay to camp at one of the many excellent sites which have full waste and rubbish facilities.
What truly frustrated me was that the filthy campsites we passed were within 10 minutes walk of two manned National Park Ranger stations at Balmaha and Malarchy Bay. Surely the rangers on duty should be moving on these campers who are certainly not accessing the park responsibility.
In Scotland we need to start giving our National Parks the Respect that they deserve and managing them more proactively. In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the US and South Africa access is National Parks is strictly controlled as the recognise these unique environments are enormously popular and need extra protection so normal access laws need adjustment and more stringent interpretation.
Don’t get me wrong, as a outdoor fanatic I am a huge advocate of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code but this type of road/lochside camping is NOT wild camping and needs to be banned in our national parks before they get ruined. Lets seem some decisive action from the National Park Authority.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
How can you want to ban lochside camping! Should the majority be punished for the mistakes of the few. How can one “get back to nature” in the way you can when wild camping for you go to a campsite, with other people and power sources! That is not camping, its for people who fool themselves thinking they are “outdoorsy”
Hi Alice, don’t get me wrong, I am all for getting away from it and enjoying true wild camping. But in my opinion camping out of the boot of your car on the side of Loch Lomond is not wild camping. It is simply putting a scarce, shared resource under unsustainable pressure and it needs to be controlled so that Loch Lomond can remain a wonderful resource for all to enjoy.
I read with The Herald with pleasure this morning that the National Park Authority are acting to Ban Camping on Loch Lomondside. The Herald Reports
This is absolutely fantastic news but I have several concerns.
Well it’s a good start and I can only hope my voice, amongst many others played a part in getting the NPA moving on this pressing issue which is destroying our national park. But in implementing these changes let’s get the message right, not just for the Loch Lomond National Park, but all national parks in Scotland.
Its very interesting and absolutely fantastic site. Its Provide a good knowledge of wild camping.
——————–
Fredrick.William
camper trailers
I agree with you man, the thing that your forgetting is the route your talking about is used 95% of the time by responsible walkers who camp over night, when they bag their rubbish they are ripped open by birds, squirrels and foxes. This is because they are not uplifted in time. What needs to happen is a daily uplift of rubbish in the area. Youre just assuming that the rubbish has been thrown away by neds or drunk people when in fact the rubbish is strewn all over by animals. If the Park employed people to walk the way and uplift rubbish i for one would apply. Yes there are idiots, however why didnt you take 10 mins and pick up some of the rubbish if you are so passionate about it?
“in my opinion camping out of the boot of your car on the side of Loch Lomond is not wild camping.”
And camping at campsites, which you advocate, is?
You have to remember Loch Lomond for the vast majority of Scotland’s population is the closest ‘great outdoors’. What needs to be done is the minority that are ruining it for everbody to be taken to task. It seems to be the modern day cop out these days – “if a minority is ruining something for the majority, then lets just ban everybody!” It’s lazy and our everyday freedoms are slowly being taken away.
i am a middle aged women and my husband and i love to walk and fish we like nothing more than wild camping. we do have a portaloo. I think it’s discusting the way some people leave an area in after they camp. why should everyone be punished for the ones who don’t care what they do just as long as they have a good time.
Holidays you may be interested in
7 Days & 7 Nights
March - October
Difficulty: Fit
Comfort: Moderate
Walk the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way is the finest long distance walking trail in Scotland. A rewarding journey through an ever changing landscape as you journey 95 miles from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William. The beautiful landscape of the Loch Lomond and Trossach's National Park and the western highlands, the isolated country hotels and great camaraderie make for an unforgettable walking holidayWestern Highlands of Scotland
from £435
More information Supplied by: Macs Adventure
12 Days & 11 Nights
September - June
Difficulty: Challenging
Comfort: Comfortable
A Glimpse of Everest Trek
Discover the best of the Everest Region on this short trek into the heart of the Himalaya surrounded by the world's highest peaks. Magnificent views and fascinating Buddist culture make this an unforgettable trekking holidayEverest Region
from £760
More information Supplied by: Macs Adventure
8 Days and 7 Nights
2nd July - 17th Sep
Difficulty: Fit
Comfort: Moderate
Aletsch Glacier Alpine Panorama
Stretching from the southern slopes of Jungfraujoch, just beneath the Eiger in the Bernese Alps to the dry mountain range in the Valais area. Sweeping alpine scenery, impressive 360 degree views, forest trails, colourful wild flowers and lush green valleysSwitzerland
from £995
More information Supplied by: Macs Adventure
8 Days & 7 Nights
April - October
Difficulty: Fit
Comfort: Luxury
Amalfi Coast Walking Holiday
Immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape of the Amalfi Coast. Walk through charming villages, tranquil lemon groves, hand tended vineyards that cling to the steep sided slopes and marvel at the endless viewsThe Amalfi Coast & Capri
from £485
More information Supplied by: Macs Adventure
8 Days & 7 Nights
April - November
Difficulty: Moderate
Comfort: Comfortable
Barolo Vineyard Walking Trail
The Barolo Vineyard Walking Trail winds its way through Piedmont, Italy’s hidden paradise for wine connoisseurs and gourmetsLanghe Hills in Piedmont
from £545
More information Supplied by: Macs Adventure