Wild Camping Ban Mooted for Loch Lomond

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Twelve week consultation period being undertaken now.

Camping Byelaws to Protect Bonny Banks - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

First read about it in local paper (can not find article on line unfortunately) which gives some additional information:

"Similar bye-laws covering Loch Venachar and Loch Lubnaig may be brought in to prevent "displacement""

"The bye-laws will be complemented by new informal campsites with toilets, firepits and bins to encourage people to treat the environment with respect"

"The authority says its aim is a network of informal campsites backed by "camping bye-laws that reduce visitor pressure and extreme behaviour""
 
Another case of the few spoiling things for the considerate majority. Let's hope the proposal to provide basic facilities (at a modest charge) goes ahead.
 
Wee-z said:
Twelve week consultation period being undertaken now.

Camping Byelaws to Protect Bonny Banks - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

First read about it in local paper (can not find article on line unfortunately) which gives some additional information:

"Similar bye-laws covering Loch Venachar and Loch Lubnaig may be brought in to prevent "displacement""

"The bye-laws will be complemented by new informal campsites with toilets, firepits and bins to encourage people to treat the environment with respect"

"The authority says its aim is a network of informal campsites backed by "camping bye-laws that reduce visitor pressure and extreme behaviour""
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I hate to say it, but I made a few posts recently saying that this would happen.And one or two scorned:rolleyes:

It seems we cant agree on how to effectively dump toilet waste, methods range from chucking under a bush to the latest SOG technology.( and that is between us on a public forum!!:rolleyes:).So we dont appear to have a totally coherent argument as things stand, when there is a patent fracture in our collective thought process and attitudes.

FWIW I am not surprised at local authorities attitudes of shutting up shop,and in some ways their behaviour is actually understandable.

Until such time as motorhomers collectively demonstrate that they are responsible, and their presence contributes more to an area than any negative impact, I fear we are staring down a barrel or seeing the thin end of the wedge.

Channa
 
channa said:
I hate to say it, but I made a few posts recently saying that this would happen.And one or two scorned:rolleyes:

It seems we cant agree on how to effectively dump toilet waste, methods range from chucking under a bush to the latest SOG technology.( and that is between us on a public forum!!:rolleyes:).So we dont appear to have a totally coherent argument as things stand, when there is a patent fracture in our collective thought process and attitudes.

FWIW I am not surprised at local authorities attitudes of shutting up shop,and in some ways their behaviour is actually understandable.

Until such time as motorhomers collectively demonstrate that they are responsible, and their presence contributes more to an area than any negative impact, I fear we are staring down a barrel or seeing the thin end of the wedge.

Channa
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Going by what was said on the news today motorhomers are not the main problem - they said it was males in their 20s who caused most of the problems (setting fire to vehicles or belongings, fights etc) and I got the feeling they were tenting rather than motorhoming.

That being said, quite agree with you. It only takes a few to act in an irresponsible manner for everyone to be tarnished with the same brush.

Wee-z
 
channa said:
I hate to say it, but I made a few posts recently saying that this would happen.And one or two scorned:rolleyes:

It seems we cant agree on how to effectively dump toilet waste, methods range from chucking under a bush to the latest SOG technology.( and that is between us on a public forum!!:rolleyes:).So we dont appear to have a totally coherent argument as things stand, when there is a patent fracture in our collective thought process and attitudes.

FWIW I am not surprised at local authorities attitudes of shutting up shop,and in some ways their behaviour is actually understandable.

Until such time as motorhomers collectively demonstrate that they are responsible, and their presence contributes more to an area than any negative impact, I fear we are staring down a barrel or seeing the thin end of the wedge.

Channa
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:mad::mad:
I seem to remember reading somewhere it was the tenters and kids out at the weekend on benders that caused the most trouble.If i can find it i will post it on here.We are not all Bad you know.
 
bigboack said:
:mad::mad:
I seem to remember reading somewhere it was the tenters and kids out at the weekend on benders that caused the most trouble.If i can find it i will post it on here.We are not all Bad you know.
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The trouble is, to stop the minority spoiling the environment, the restrictions are made to apply to everyone, so responsible motorhomers are tarred with the same brush simply by association.
 
Randonneur said:
The trouble is, to stop the minority spoiling the environment, the restrictions are made to apply to everyone, so responsible motorhomers are tarred with the same brush simply by association.
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Partly my point, and a perception difficult to change other than ensuring we are consistently seen to be a friendly bunch whose ethics exceed the expectations of the local authorities and local residents.

It is at this point ,and only my opinion can we broker arrangements that suit our chosen leisure /lifestyle.

if it is 20 something tenters ..tis difficult to pitch on tarmac which is the preferred surface for our activities.

We need to get our message consistant, and demonstrate that we arent oafs and our presence enhances the local economy and in no way is detrimental

Channa
 
Thank you for the links,an interesting read.

It is interesting that legitimate backpackers who enjoy the outdoors but have different accomodation for their sleep are to be as equally prejudiced as the motor home community.

Both groups and no doubt there are others whose enjoyment will be curtailed by legislation.

There will be those that say 'stuff it' and carry on regardless, witnessed here at least by a willingness to ignore overnight signs.(and I have too before the bleats).

That isnt the point as I see things at the moment.

We need to convince the authorities that responsible camping that motorhomes, backpackers subscribe to will be prejudiced with a blanket ban because of the behaviour of the irresponsible. That initself is not within the spirit of the land reform act ?

It is the irresponsible that should be penalised and punished.

Million dollar question , How do we do that then ?

Channa
 
Things are bad.

Money is tight.

We will be made more welcome than usually is the case if we are spending.

Do not panic. The businesses know who are trouble and who are not.
 
I've just read the report and the proposed by-law.

It does seem that some action needs to be taken to control off-site camping in what is obviously a very popular area.

I see that there is to be provision of some approved 'informal camping' locations so this would seem to be an ideal opportunity to press for some of them to be allocated for campervans and motorhomes, with maybe even a French style 'bourne' somewhere in the area.

AndyC
 
Read about it on Chris Townsend blog.Chris is the backpacking editor for the Great outdoors magazine and also I believe the president of the Scottish Mountaineering club.The report does indicate that it is car campers that are causing the problem.Their research shows that the people involved are not wiling to go more than 29 metres from their car,so its obviously not backpackers.Indeed there are severeal informal camp sites set aside for WH walkers up the east side of the loch.The proposal is to ban wild camping within a certain distance from the road end at Rowardennan,which obviously wouldnt effect backpackers who will walk further on,however would effect motorhomers as we would need the road!
Maybe its time to give the east bank a miss and use several spots on the west or keep driving.
Unfotunately its a sign of the times,several of the bothies around the border area or those bothies that have tracks to them are suffering as well with weekend drinkers driving big 4 wheelers virtually to the doors and staying the weekend to trash the place
 
Not got hold of the crappy end of the stick then Channa Eh....
 
I have used the Consultation form to make my feeling known, for those of you who haven't been to this part of the Loch, it can get overun by feral groups in Summer, so I am not surprised that 'something' has to happen.

I made the point about toilet facilities, the whole of the Loch Lomond area is poorly served, e.g. in winter most of the facilities seem to close at 4pm, which means that at busy times like weekend evenings there are no services on the A82 for miles.

I also made the point that the powers that be exercise discretion, between a genuine traveller who has got too tired to carry on, versus a group obviously set on breaking the law.

Consultation form here: East Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws Consultation Survey
 
I've filled in the consultation form too.

I also sent an email to the address given on this page: East Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws Consultation - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park suggesting to them that they might consider providing informal overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans. Since informal camping areas are to be provided anyway it would take very little additional cost to make some suitable for motorhomes and campervans.

AndyC
 
I shall be following suit and filling the form and e-mailing too Andy.

Maingate, I am not convinced that any LA is sympathetic to local businesses. One only has to witness Scarborough and the Lakes to see that IMHO.


I wish I could share your optimism.:( and on this occasion more than happy to be proved wrong

Channa
 
Channa,

Scarborough is not too bad. From what I hear, Bridlington is a dead loss and turning into a dead town because of the attitude to parking.

There are members of this forum who regularly use Scarborough.

BTW; Upset me and I will take your new toy off you.:D
 
defitzi

I note the key word is "camping" and interestingly the BBBc report bears out previous posts-replies-observations: old tents , firepits rubbish etc :none of which liklely to have been left by motorised.
Sop yes-it IS up to us to make our views known wherever and gettheworkld out we are not a menace -indeed, the opposite and the most responsible element!.
I do not camp- I sojourn! overnight! whenever I have a pint too many in my vehicle-and ensure the keys are not accessible (only necessary in UK).
And I would welcome tidy, tarmaced or at least hard-standing and if the authorities want to throw in a few very basic facilities like a water-tap and/or even a tank-dump as on aires in other countries, then i'm happy[ to paya small , reasonable charge towards upkeep!
What a pity certain selfish clubs have managed to get control of so man y basic forest and small farm sites : last I heard they were trying to sign-up ( sew-up) pub landlords!
 
maingate said:
Channa,

Scarborough is not too bad. From what I hear, Bridlington is a dead loss and turning into a dead town because of the attitude to parking.

There are members of this forum who regularly use Scarborough.

BTW; Upset me and I will take your new toy off you.:D
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I for all intents am a resident of Scarborough,(Filey to be precise) and the facilities enjoyed at the moment are within a breath of being taken away in respect of the Scalby Mills site and Marine drive has always been contentious the season dictates the hassle or lack of.(posts here from others reinforce my assertation)

There is absolutely no consideration from the local council that banning MH's has any detrimental impact on the local economy.

And it is on this point I think your argument is flawed in respect of Loch Lomond.I dont believe local businesses there hold any sway over the local authorities.

Perhaps of interest when I do go back to the coast, I often stop off in a layby just outside of Brid towards Hornsea. Then early start and do what i need to do in Filey /Scarborough.

Has for my new toy, you have already agreed to be my tutor lol :D I trust you are follically challenged ? ...you will be having met your apprentice:rolleyes:;)

regards

Channa
 
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