The Lomondside camping ban will apply as far as Rowardennan
The Scottish Government has approved a controversial camping ban on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.
The ban will affect walkers on the West Highland Way and the new bylaw, which comes into force on 1 June this year, will make it an offence to camp overnight on a section between Drymen and Rowardennan, except in recognised sites.
The Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority sought approval for the restrictions in response to growing problems from anti-social behaviour in the area. Stirling Council has also imposed a ban on the public consumption of alcohol on the east side of Loch Lomond, a move approved by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
When the new bylaw comes into operation, it will be illegal to camp or bivvy on a 17km (10½miles) stretch of the West Highland Way between March and October. National park rangers and police will monitor the area and penalties or up to £500 can be imposed for breaching the restrictions.
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “East Loch Lomond has come under increasing pressure from litter, campfires and anti-social behaviour over recent years which has threatened to spoil the visitor experience for the many thousands who travel to the area each year.
“Camping will still be permitted at designated caravan and camping sites and a new semi-formal camping site is being made available at Sallochy Bay, near Rowardennan.
“These measures are designed to protect and preserve the beauty of the area whilst still providing access for responsible campers.”
National park chief executive Fiona Logan said: “By placing informal camping restrictions in certain areas and investing heavily in the most popular visitor destinations of Rowardennan, Sallochy, Milarrochy Bay and Balmaha, we hope to achieve a balance so our visitors can enjoy their stay whilst the landscape and communities around the Loch remain protected.”
The new Sallochy informal campsite will provide up to 20 pitches when at full capacity and has been provided by the national park and Forestry Commission Scotland, with places to be booked in advance.
Richard Webb
11 March 2011Perhaps they should have tried enforcing the law as it stands today, but hey let's not waste a chance to create a nu-crime.
Handy excuse to chip away at access rights too. Well done Cairngorm.
Love the bit about the informal site - places have to be booked in advance!
Does anyone know how far from the loch you need to get to be free from danger of jobsworths. It is easy to avoid neds, just walk a wee bit.
Nina
13 March 2011I think it is very good that this is being done! In April 2009 we walked the West Highland Way and when we walked this part in the weekend we didn't feel safe because of the people who where wild camping and drinking here. And there was a lot of rubish too. This new law is the consequence of it. I am glad. You have to respect the beauty of Scotland!
Geoff Gadsby
25 March 2011The trouble is, Nina, that responsible backpackers walking the Long Distance Path get tarred with the same brush as the irresponsible louts. I can see the ban being extended along the entire route before too long!
karen mckenzie
16 April 2011you all must remember that the minority always spoil things for the majority,we have been "wild camping" at sallochy bay for the past 5 years &seen a lot of coming &going this to book a pitch is not very good we just wait see what the weather is like &go but if you book you must go with our weather dont think so,does anyone know where i can see the plans for sallochy? our national park office didnt even know where sallochy was!!!!
peter wells
11 June 2011I think this is a great idea, myself my husband and 2 grandchildren and occasionaly my sons, have wild camped at sallochy for years,we have always left it the way we found it, unfortunately there is a majority who have no respect for the place and they just want to party and disturb other campers who are there to enjoy the beautiful scenery and peace and quiet. Well Done we say.
R Douglas
19 August 2011This is terrible and the start of the end of proper wild camping in Scotland - anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool or just terribly naive. Yes I agree there are scum who just leave sites in a terrible state but this is not the answer. A simpler solution would have been to monitor the trouble sites and impose heavy fines for littering etc. And before anyone starts talking about expense/manpower.....they are going to have the same problems when enforcing the ban!
All it would take would be a visit to an occupied spot - names and addresses taken, site checked the next day and if unacceptable a nasty fine through the door within a week.
This decision was likely made by morons who have never spent a night in a tent in their lives!!
mathew pollock
19 June 2013This is a shame .. some of my fondest memories are wild camping at sallochy with my friends. We are young and always left it tidy ..even though we all had really bad hangovers. I drove there today and I was extremely disappointed at how dead it was, when the same time 4 years ago it was like a little community of like minded folk just out for a good weekend!