Walkhighlands

Hi,

I'm looking to do the 3 munros behind Alltbeithe Youth Hostel leaving the car at the car park at the end of the public road in Glen Affric. I've no objection to paying for car parking, but can anyone please tell me if it is OK to leave the car there for a couple of nights and what are the arrangements for paying.

Any help appreciated.
Tony

I seem to remember that the machines only allowed up to "all day", which was a couple of quid valid in any of the valley's chargeable car parks, and that there was no facility for overnight parking charge collection (they probably don't want to encourage overnight parking for vans and stuff). They were also cash only. On a 3 night canoeing trip we did, we parked by the Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin dam, which didn't have any charging, but would add a lot to your walk in!

Didn't pay for parking at Chisholme bridge, which was in March on a day walk. Just a normal rough Scottish layby.

We were up that way for a long weekend in May. Our late-ish arrival meant we were short of time to hunt for an alternative spot, so we (somewhat grudgingly) purchased 3 all-day tickets at £2 per day, and laid them all out on the dash (there was no multi-day option). Also - the machine claimed to take credit cards but was only accepting coins when we visited, so stock up on metal money. On the plus side, paying means you get guilt free use of the toilets!

Mal Grey's correct that the large layby at Chisholme Bridge is free (it's about a mile up the road) - tbh if we'd had the time we'd likely have headed back there.

Tony One wrote:Hi,

I'm looking to do the 3 munros behind Alltbeithe Youth Hostel leaving the car at the car park at the end of the public road in Glen Affric. I've no objection to paying for car parking, but can anyone please tell me if it is OK to leave the car there for a couple of nights and what are the arrangements for paying.

Any help appreciated.
Tony

We did exactly this last year. Having no option for multi-day tickets we bought one and hoped it would be ok for the next day. It was, no one had checked. Also this year we parked there for a single day walk and forgot (I promise this is true!) to buy a ticket. When we got back again, no one had checked. I'd think two tickets bought on the same day would cover you.

These car parks rely on honesty. I used this carpark in May and the Linn of Dee one is the same. It is £2 PER DAY and I don't like putting multiple tickets in the car as car break ins are very common in these type of places. Having 3 tickets in your window tells a thief you aren't back for a few days. Plus you may cut your trip short. Mar Lodge say 'an estimated 10% of users do not pay.' And Affric will be similar. I always pay when I get back. They rely on honesty and IMO that's honest.

Linn of Dee is National Trust for Scotland. Not sure, but I think Glen Affric may be too.

If you join the National Trust or NT for Scotland you get a car sticker that allows you to park for free in all their car parks, as well as getting free entry to all their stately homes and gardens etc. Comes in handy for parking at Linn of Dee for overnight camping trips, plus it's a good cause.

Phil the Hill wrote:Linn of Dee is National Trust for Scotland. Not sure, but I think Glen Affric may be too.

If you join the National Trust or NT for Scotland you get a car sticker that allows you to park for free in all their car parks, as well as getting free entry to all their stately homes and gardens etc. Comes in handy for parking at Linn of Dee for overnight camping trips, plus it's a good cause.

Good tip, but Affric is Forestry Commission I'm afraid; http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/river-affric

Thanks guys, hope to be going there in early September. Thanks again.