Walkers warned of £500 Lomond camping fine

With less than a week to go before new laws come into effect along the shores at east Loch Lomond, the National Park Authority is warning walkers that they could face a £500 fine if they camp in breach of the new rules.

The new byelaws come into force on 1 June and apply to the area running from Drymen to Rowardennan (approximately 9 miles) which includes part of the West Highland Way and the shoreline of the loch. Under the new byelaws, it will be an offence to camp anywhere in the restricted zone outside designated camping areas. The byelaws have been introduced by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority and were approved by the Scottish Government in March to help improve the visitor experience in East Loch Lomond and reduce the impacts of years of visitor pressure and anti-social behaviour. New camping facilities at Sallochy have been built to provide facilities for West Highland Way walkers and others.

Grant Moir, Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience said: “Loch Lomond is a beautiful part of the National Park and one of the most famous places in Scotland to come and visit. It is important that we do everything we can to protect it whilst enhancing the visitor experience.

“We will continue to welcome day visitors into the area to enjoy the sights, such as, Ben Lomond, Conic Hill and Inchcailloch. There are also still opportunities to camp in the area at the official camp sites at Cashel and Milarrochy. There is also the new campsite at Sallochy being built by Forestry Commission Scotland for visitors to enjoy. The byelaws are giving the landscape a chance to recover and for the area to be managed for all who live or visit the area.

“Our Ranger teams will be out and about over the summer; giving advice about camping in the National Park and sharing all the things you can do and see here. They will also be out patrolling with the police to enforce the new camping byelaws as part of the Respect the Park initiative and Operation Ironworks. Every effort is being made to make sure Loch Lomond remains a family friendly destination and we ask everyone to help protect and respect this special area.”

Forestry Commission Scotland’s Liz Shortall, said: “The new campsite at Sallochy will be open for business as of 1st June and we are looking forward to welcoming responsible campers who want to enjoy this unique conservation area. The byelaws will help ensure that the site is protected and can be enjoyed by the many visitors who come here every year.”

Scottish Natural Heritage’s Paul Roberts, said “The woodlands on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond are a beautiful place and are protected by law. The area has suffered from tree felling, uncontrolled fires, and litter over many years. We are looking forward to the byelaws and the new campsite helping nature to flourish so that visitors can enjoy this special place for years to come.”

Under the byelaws, it will be an offence to camp in the restricted zones with the maximum fine being £500. A number of other measures are also being implemented as part of the East Loch Lomond Management Plan including car park upgrades, new toilets, a programme of signage improvements and traffic management measures.