Snags force change to camping byelaws
Constructive feedback on the whole from visitors
New National Park seasonal camping byelaws are being tweaked to address teething issues.
The Park Authority says the response from campers so far has been largely positive since the byelaws, which run from March 1 until September 30 each year, were introduced in the spring.
Online surveys have been sent to everyone who books a permit and there has been engagement with visitors, communities and partner organisations.
Online surveys show 85 per cent of respondents would recommend staying in one of the new permit areas and 92 per cent found it easy to buy a permit.
Park rangers are also seeing a mostly positive response from visitors to the Camping Management Zones with the vast majority adhering to the new byelaws. Communities in some areas have also seen changing attitudes and increases in day visitors.
The authority has made some adjustments following talks with partners. These include:
Moving some permit areas within the Three Lochs Forest Drive, near Aberfoyle, away from forestry operations, and increasing the number of places for motorhomes on the Drive. Further work to develop signage. Improving visitor information and advice on camping areas online.
Collaborating with Police Scotland on joint enforcement to manage encampments and anti-social behaviour in some lochshore laybys.
The park authority said over the years some lochshore laybys have had issues with encampments of motorhomes and caravans damaging the environment and preventing access for other visitors.
People with campervans and motorhomes can use lochshore laybys to stop and rest (including sleeping overnight if necessary), but encampment on a road (including laybys) is an offence under road traffic legislation and will be managed by Police Scotland, in co-operation with land owners.
Camping permit areas for tents adjacent to some lochshore laybys are unaffected.
As a result the Park Authority will no longer provide permits for motorhomes to stay in laybys but will focus on continuing to provide locations for overnight motorhome stays at key offroad visitor areas around the Park. These include Inveruglas and Firkin Point and additional motorhome permits in Three Lochs Forest Drive.
LLTNPA chief executive Gordon People who flout the national park’s new camping bylaws could face a fine of up to £500 and may end up with a criminal record.
Under the new regulations, introduced in spring, four camping management zones were created. Between March and September Watson said: “It is early days, but overall there has been a very positive reaction from visitors and we are already seeing a welcome difference in the areas which we are trying to protect, with less abandoned campsites and irresponsible fire-lighting.
“There has been some negative, but mostly constructive feedback and this, along with our own close monitoring, is being used to help us fine tune things. We’ve said all along we would do this. We particularly support the contribution from Police Scotland on how inappropriate encampments in some lochshore laybys will be addressed to ensure these locations are accessible for more people to enjoy.”
The seasonal byelaws, which apply to four per cent of the Park, were introduced to manage pressures and environmental damage caused by the sheer number of people camping in some areas and the anti-social behaviour of some going back a number of years.
Aaron Wilson, manager of Rowardennan Youth Hostel, said: “It has been a very good year and the uptake of the new Youth Hostel campsite has been substantial, particularly during the peak time of May when more West Highland Way walkers were in the area.
“The biggest change has been the positive attitude in people when they arrive at the youth hostel and discover there is camping available. With further awareness of the byelaws, visitor numbers are increasing and people are also very respectful of the area.”
Further information about camping in the National Park, including the byelaws, detailed maps of the Camping Management Zones and the booking system for camping permits can be found at www.lochlomond-trossachs. org/camping.