Why We Introduced the Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws Opinion

© LLTNPA

A recent opinion piece from David Lintern, Why I Broke the Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws, sparked some lively discussion. Since their introduction earlier this year the measures to control informal camping in accessible locations throughout Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park have proved controversial, to say the least. The problem of anti social camping is undeniable across the Scottish Highlands, but is a local ban in one park the answer? In the interests of balance we wanted to hear the other side of the story. Here Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, explains the thinking behind the new rules, and reflects on how they are working so far.


Following David Lintern's article 'Why I broke the Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws' which was published earlier this month I want to provide some context and a more up to date picture of how the byelaws are working so far.

The problem... Loch Venachar in the Trossachs  © LLTNPA
The problem... Loch Venachar in the Trossachs
© LLTNPA

As David himself points out, his 'experiment' was carried out just 10 days after the byelaws came into effect. We are now four months in.

There is a reason we have National Parks. They are special places that need to be protected for everyone's enjoyment now and in the future. The seasonal byelaws have been introduced because the sheer number of visitors to some of our most easily accessible lochshore areas, plus the antisocial behaviour of some campers going back many years, has a major impact on the environment and the experience of other campers and visitors to these beautiful areas.

They've been brought in alongside the creation of new campsites and camping permit areas. These are designed to provide different options for campers; something in between formal campsites and wild camping. Permit areas still allow people to enjoy their camping experience on a lochshore but in such a way that the volume of visitors is managed and protects the Park's fragile environment.

A regular criticism of the seasonal byelaws is that existing powers could have been used to manage the antisocial behaviour issues but what's often not acknowledged is that, despite significant investment in ranger presence and partnership with Police Scotland to enforce existing laws, these problems persisted anyway. The problem is a combination of unsustainable volume of use and irresponsible behaviour.

The solution? Camping permit area overlooking Loch Drunkie   © LLTNPA
The solution? Camping permit area overlooking Loch Drunkie
© LLTNPA

The introduction of byelaws is a big step. It has not been taken lightly and we have said from the outset that we will closely monitor how they are working and listen to feedback to fine tune things.

Feedback from those staying in permit areas has been very positive so far. Everyone who books a permit is sent an online feedback survey which so far have had a strong response rate. Results show that 85% of respondents would recommend staying in one of the new permit areas and 91% found it easy to buy a permit.

Our Rangers are also experiencing overwhelmingly positive reactions from visitors to the Camping Management Zones with the vast majority adhering to the new seasonal byelaws. Communities in some of the areas have also passed on positive observations about changing attitudes and increases in the numbers of day visitors.

There has been some negative, but mostly constructive feedback. This along with our own close monitoring is being used to help us make improvements. For example moving some permit areas to more suitable spots and improving visitor information and advice on our booking system.

We are committed to listening and addressing issues to improve visitors' experiences in the Park. That will continue throughout this season and as we plan for the future. We look forward to welcoming more people and hearing their views as the season goes on.

To find out more about camping in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park go to www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/camping

Quick facts:

  • The byelaws are seasonal, only in place from March to September
  • They only cover less than 4% of the National Park, not to the whole area
  • They create Camping Management Zones (in place from March to September)
  • You can still wild camp responsibly outside of these zones
  • You can still camp in these zones but only in campsites or in the many camping permit areas
  • Camping permits cost £3 per tent or motorhome per night
  • Campsites (at Loch Chon and Loch Lubnaig) cost £7 per adult per night, children go free




26 Jun, 2017
Those with an interest in the implementation of the byelaws in LLATNP can read a detailed alternative interpretation here : www.parkswatchscotland.co.uk
26 Jun, 2017
For more information on the Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws, and the current situation on the ground, rather than the 'PR' given in this article it is informative to read: http://parkswatchscotland.co.uk/tag/camping/ In my view the mess wasn't acceptable, however nor is the LLTNP 'current' 'solution'. It would be good if UKC invited David Kemp for an opinion piece...................
26 Jun, 2017
What would your solution be?
26 Jun, 2017
I assume that they've been actively monitoring areas outside the restricted zone to see whether the problem is just being displaced. Can they share their findings on this?
26 Jun, 2017
Judging by the photo at the top of the article, I suspect the problem is mainly lazy people who are unlikely to be displaced.
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