Walkers’ fury at ‘huge’ hike in car park costs

Hillwalkers have hit out over plans for a “huge” increase in parking charges at one of Scotland’s most popular mountains.

Proposals from Argyll and Bute Council to raise the cost of parking from £1 to £9 a day for two car parks at Arrochar, at the head of Loch Long, have sparked a backlash from outdoors enthusiasts.

The car parks are the starting point for those planningtoclimbthecobbler, one of the best-known hills in Scotland, as well as the Arrochar Alps group of Munros – Scottish mountains more than 3,000ft high.

Outdoors writer and broadcaster Cameron Mcneish branded the move “an utter disgrace”.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Argyll and Bute Council should be ashamed. Totally unacceptable.”

“High car parking charges can create a barrier to those wishing to exercise their right of access to the countryside, particularly those with lower incomes.

“This is all happening at a time when Scottish Government policies are firmly committed to social inclusion and promotion of outdoor recreation.”