Loch Lomond and Trossachs

[2cv]

A very large area is earmarked to become no go for overnighting away from campsites.
Much is referring to tent camping but motorhomes too are in their sights. I suppose that it was inevitable given that many motorhome users were staying for long periods, setting up camp with awnings, tables and chairs, and lighting fires.
It is a pity I think for those who just wish to spend a night parked in their van, leaving no trace
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org...8-Appendix-1-Camping-Development-Strategy.pdf

 

[saxonrosie]

You are quite right another case of the few spoiling it for the many

 

[Foolonthehill]

Aye, and I imagine this will eventually be rolled out all over Scotland?

I also reckon it is on the cards.

 

[Steveboy]

Several years ago my wife & I arrived at Rowardennan ready to hike Ben Lomond. It was a Monday morning and the place looked as though a huge refugee camp had just been cleared. Tents, litter, unmentionables everywhere. Turns out the 'Neds' (Glaswegians of a 'certain' nature) had taken over the place during the weekend. I think it was the year following when free-camping of any sort was banned on the East side of the Loch.
So rest assured it is neither Tuggers or Motorhomers who are to blame.

 

[vampirequeen]

Oh no! We were planning to go there next summer. We can't afford to stay on the campsites. What a shame.

 

[Yogihughes]

Yeah! just blame the 'Glaswegians' they spoil it for everybody.
I will have you know that there are a lot of good people in Glasgow who would not dream of doing such a thing.

 

[ScamperVan]

Oh no! We were planning to go there next summer. We can't afford to stay on the campsites. What a shame.

I skim read the article but it seems they are mostly talking about the lochside areas, and even then there will still be designated "wildcamping" areas for motohomes. They talk about "permit areas" (scroll down to page 18, for example).
My understanding is that outside the Camping Management Zones it's business as usual - page 6

"The Camping Management Zones that have been defined reflect those areas where camping
impacts have been most significant and which are easily accessed from public roads. The areas
covered take in the land between the road and the lochshore and on the opposite landward
side, at a distance of approximately 200m from the public road, or to the nearest visible feature
such as field boundaries or tracks. Within these areas, the byelaws restrict camping unless an
area has been identified as a campsite or as a permitted area where camping numbers will be
managed by the issue of a permit.
The operation of these byelaws will form part of a strategic approach to the management of
informal camping activity which includes a commitment to accommodate lochshore camping
experiences in a more sustainable and managed way in addition to continuing education and
awareness raising work to promote responsible camping.
Wild camping (as defined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code), in the remaining 96% of the
Park’s 720 square miles, is unaffected. "

 

[Wully]

Yeah! just blame the 'Glaswegians' they spoil it for everybody.
I will have you know that there are a lot of good people in Glasgow who would not dream of doing such a thing.

I stay near loch lomand. I take a trip up tae glesga once a month get pissed and make as much mess as I can it's called carma

 

[OldJim]

Are motorhomers really going to be that badly affected ?
Page 19 onwards shows where camping and motorhoming will be permitted, looking at the map the majority of the popular motorhome stopovers are included. On the west of Loch Lomond, Tarbet, Inveruglas, etc. It also looks like Firkin Point will have permitted motorhoming, Ardgaran looks to be unaffected, so while there will be a few areas affected the majority of motorhome stopovers will be unaffected.

Will now go and don suit of armour.

 

[ScamperVan]

Are motorhomers really going to be that badly affected ?
Page 19 onwards shows where camping and motorhoming will be permitted, looking at the map the majority of the popular motorhome stopovers are included. On the west of Loch Lomond, Tarbet, Inveruglas, etc. It also looks like Firkin Point will have permitted motorhoming, Ardgaran looks to be unaffected, so while there will be a few areas affected the majority of motorhome stopovers will be unaffected.

Will now go and don suit of armour.

You can borrow mine - I thought the same without knowing the specifics of the areas you mentioned. In fact, it sounded as if it would be better with "aire" type facilities being installed in heavily used places (wonder if they could include midge-scarers?). It will be interesting to see what the cost of the permit will be.

 

[Randonneur]

When we were up there in august we overnighted at duck bay which is south of Luss and does'nt look to be included in the camping management zone. There were quite a few other vans overnighting there including a big american RV with his side slide out over the pavement.

 

[2cv]

Just a few points:
I think that any mention of wild camping is in reference to tents not motorhomes.
I am not certain, but think that the initial "aire" type provision costs £15 per night.
Firkin Point has no overnight parking at present but looks like it is in line to become an "aire", probably at a similar cost.
In the new plan the currently used areas such as Duck Bay will no longer be useable for overnight stops.

The thin edge of the wedge is firmly in, it was with the Eastern shore bans, I think that this spread will now continue year by year.
Unfortunately motorhome users have been caught up in the actions of some tent wildcampers, but of course a small percentage have themselves helped bring this on by long term staying, littering, lighting fires etc.

The only alternative solution that I can suggest would be to deal with the miscreants at the time rather than issue the preferred blanket bans. I think that this is most unlikely to happen.

 

[haggislassie]

latest about this topic

I live in this wonderful part of the world but do appreciate the feeling that the few are now spoiling it for the many, despite trying to tackle it at ground level for many years.

Being a conservation volunteer with the Park, rest assured some peoples idea of taking their litter home is unbelievable, and unmentionable on this Forum, as lots of folk don't even try to, from picnickers, campers, WHW walkers and even, dare I say the very odd M/Homers!!

If you type in the following web address it will take you to the latest Q & A on the new Bye Law being introduced 1st March 2017 and lots more, besides.

Your Park - making the most of the outdoors

All is not lost, folks, lets try to keep it that way!

Elaine

 

[2cv]

I live in this wonderful part of the world but do appreciate the feeling that the few are now spoiling it for the many, despite trying to tackle it at ground level for many years.

Being a conservation volunteer with the Park, rest assured some peoples idea of taking their litter home is unbelievable, and unmentionable on this Forum, as lots of folk don't even try to, from picnickers, campers, WHW walkers and even, dare I say the very odd M/Homers!!

If you type in the following web address it will take you to the latest Q & A on the new Bye Law being introduced 1st March 2017 and lots more, besides.

Your Park - making the most of the outdoors

All is not lost, folks, lets try to keep it that way!

Elaine

Unfortunately as far as those of us who just like to park and sleep in our vans all is a actually lost for this area, the actions of those who choose to long stay, litter or light fires have resulted in those who would cause no damage being banned from parking and sleeping. Definitely the thin edge of the wedge as far as Scotland is concerned, if understandably.
Not everyone wishes to be herded into a campsite with unnecessary facilities and hoards of other vans and tents.

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

Just drive on by and take yer money elsewhere ... seemples.

 

[Yogihughes]

Good suggestion Auld Pharrrt.......but I reckon there will be many more places which will go the same way as Loch Lomond and ban overnight parking.
One of the reasons that I have sold my MH and no longer wish to be herded onto organised sites.

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

Good suggestion Auld Pharrrt.......but I reckon there will be many more places which will go the same way as Loch Lomond and ban overnight parking.
One of the reasons that I have sold my MH and no longer wish to be herded onto organised sites.

Well, I must be really lucky ... You see, in my opinion Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has granted me permission to park my vehicle on any public highway (as long as I do so in a legal manner) in return for the small stipend I pay her every year ... road fund licence I believe the common name is given to it. Also, she dictates in numerous ways that I shouldn't drive if I'm too fatigued to do so safely. Also I have been granted special permission by means of her decision to allow me the right to roam.

Happily I see no need to park around Loch Lomond as it was pretty much my stomping ground for many years and holds very little appeal for me now

 

[Randonneur]

Happily I see no need to park around Loch Lomond as it was pretty much my stomping ground for many years and holds very little appeal for me now

Unfortunately for those of us who visit from down south of the border Loch Lomond is very often a convenient stopping point on our way north.

 

[Auld Pharrrt]

Unfortunately for those of us who visit from down south of the border Loch Lomond is very often a convenient stopping point on our way north.

Nip along the road a few miles to Arrocher ... a nice car park at the top of the village and/or a campsite if you want it. Also a fairly decent cafe at the opposite end of the village.

Google Maps

 

[happypete]

Loch Lomond stops

A very large area is earmarked to become no go for overnighting away from campsites.
Much is referring to tent camping but motorhomes too are in their sights. I suppose that it was inevitable given that many motorhome users were staying for long periods, setting up camp with awnings, tables and chairs, and lighting fires.
It is a pity I think for those who just wish to spend a night parked in their van, leaving no trace
http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org...8-Appendix-1-Camping-Development-Strategy.pdf

We were up to Loch Lomond a few weeks ago and resorted to laybys on the western side - one or two just off the road - hopefully where truckers are not stopped when they move away in the early hours! The ban on "unofficial" camping relates to the eastern side of Loch Lomond area and is said to be patrolled!