Loch Lomond camping

On Sunday I happened to be walking an area of the West Highland Way between Balmaha and Rowardennan and had been appalled because of the effect of camping on Loch Lomond. There was a group of tents in the middle of trash and dirt every fifty yards over the loch part. We stopped for a picnic and mightn’t relax as our 20 month old boy had to play amongst broken glass, old campfires and litter that have been proof of past campsites. This sort of camping five minutes walk from your own automobile is certainly not “wild camping” or “responsible access” as defined by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and may be prohibited.

The Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority needs to control this and stamp completely this kind of camping as it's ruinging huge swaths of several of the most well-known regions of the national park. They offer these tips on their site:

“Wild Camping
Camping wild is a great way to experience the dazzling views associated with National Park, providing you work responsibly and then leave the country while you discovered it.” Comprehensive camping advice…

In my opinion this is simply not adequate enough. There are numerous serviced campsites along both shores of Loch Lomond and therefore no reason for groups to crazy camp on several of Loch Lomond’s most stunning beaches and despoil the environment in this way. Should they wish to camp on Loch Lomond they ought to spend to camp at one of the many exceptional internet sites which have full waste and rubbish facilities.

Exactly what truly frustrated me personally ended up being that filthy campsites we passed had been within 10 minutes walk of two manned National Park Ranger stations at Balmaha and Malarchy Bay. Clearly the rangers available is progressing these campers who're not opening the playground obligation.

In Scotland we need to begin giving our National Parks the value which they deserve and managing all of them more proactively. In countries eg Australia, New Zealand, the US and South Africa access is National Parks is strictly managed due to the fact recognise these special environments tend to be extremely well-known and need extra defense so normal accessibility guidelines require adjustment and much more stringent explanation.

Don’t misunderstand me, as an outside fanatic i will be a giant supporter of Scottish exterior Access Code but this type of road/lochside camping is NOT wild camping and needs is prohibited in our national parks before they get wrecked. Lets seem some decisive action from the nationwide Park Authority.

loch lomond, West Highland Method

Creator and Chief Adventure Officer of Macs Adventure. With a passion for adventure and active vacation, I securely genuinely believe that the top solution to discover a country, its landscape, culture and people is using your very own steam. I've travelled extensively in Southern and East Africa, Australasia, European countries and Asia and invest my time walking, climbing, mountain cycling and kite-surfing in Scotland and all over the world. I like residing in Glasgow with my partner, son and girl, although Im attempting unsuccessfully to persuade them to go nearer to my favourite kite searching area in Troon.