Latest news with #LochLomond&TheTrossachsNationalParkAuthority
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Major £900k Conic Hill path upgrade works completed as walkers urged to respect landscape
The newly completed path infrastructure - stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit - features a two-metre-wide path, helping visitors remain on designated routes, safeguarding the sensitive environment. Major works as part of a £900,000 path improvement project on the iconic Conic Hill by Loch Lomond have been completed. The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has finished the works on the popular hill. Known affectionately as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year due to its easy access and geographical location on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the internationally significant Highland Boundary Fault Line. The newly finished path infrastructure, which stretches 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path. The new path encourages responsible behaviour and enjoyment, helping visitors to stay on designated routes and protect the sensitive environment. Over 2,000 tonnes of stone, sourced locally from Dumbarton quarry, were carefully transported to the site by both land and air, where specialist contractors skilfully applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. The technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Conic Hill is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with unique ecological and geological significance. By sticking to the new path, walkers can play a crucial role in preserving the area's delicate biodiversity and natural landscape. The National Park Authority is also collaborating with local landowners and Police Scotland to tackle the issue of livestock worrying, reminding visitors to always keep their dogs on a lead. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Scotland's trailblazing access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which was implemented in 2005. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, commented: "The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously." He added: "We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations." Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon expressed her pleasure, stating: "I'm delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary." Ryan Hamilton, from Hamilton Construction, which took on the project in 2023, described their challenging work, saying: "We undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars." He shared the team's experience with the elements: "We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud." Hamilton also mentioned the rewarding feedback they've received: "Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill, can now do so."
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Daily Record
Sustainable bus service to resume in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer
The Trossachs Explorer bus service is set to return to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park this summer - and will be bigger and better than ever A popular eco-friendly bus service is set to make a comeback in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for the bustling summer period. The Trossachs Explorer service will run from Monday, July 7, until Sunday, October 5, following a successful 2024 pilot that saw over 5,000 passengers use the bus. This year's enhanced service builds upon comprehensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, with 91% of surveyed passengers expressing their intent to use the shuttle bus again. New imnprovements include an extended route, now commencing from Drymen, improved links to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses. Two modern, low-emission buses will operate seven-days-a-week between Drymen and Callander, making stops at popular tourist spots such as Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). The service boasts improved connectivity with synchronised timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. All-day tickets will be available at £6 for adults, £3.50 for children and £5.65 for students. Group/family tickets are priced at £16 for up to five individuals and passengers can also opt for a seven-journey saver ticket for £25. Those under 22 and over 60 can travel free with a National Entitlement Card. The Trossachs Explorer service, operated this year by local travel firm McColls, is set to undergo further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of the National Park Authority's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable travel options. The aim is to reduce congestion, alleviate parking pressures, and facilitate connections between visitors, residents, and the National Park's unique environment. Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "Following the success of last years' service, we're delighted to welcome the Trossachs Explorer back on the road this summer - helping visitors and residents to build deeper connections with nature, while doing their part to reduce emissions and protect our National Park for future generations. "The expanded service helps us directly tackle the challenge that 79% of visitors to the National Park arrive by car, while also opening up opportunities for young people, families without cars, and staff working in local businesses who need reliable transport options. "Services like this prove that rural areas can lead the way in demonstrating multiple benefits to visitors, residents and local businesses. But true sustainability can only be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. This expanded pilot allows us to continue to gather the insight and evidence needed to develop long-term transport solutions across the entire National Park." Climate activist, environmental scientist, and ethical influencer Less Waste Laura has praised the return of The Trossachs Explorer service, adding: "I used the service last year, and being able to make my way entirely via public transport from my home in Dundee to enjoy a stunning hike up Ben A'an before hopping on the bus again to enjoy a much-needed coffee in Brig O'Turk, and then making my way home again via Callander was fantastic! "The Trossachs Explorer is such a strong example of the vital importance of well-connected, sustainable transport in rural areas. Reducing carbon emissions, congestion on roads, car parks and air pollution, while increasing the opportunities for everyone to connect with beauty spots across the National Park – I'm already looking forward to getting back on board this summer." Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee, stated: "The resounding success of last year's pilot has led to the welcome return and expansion of the Trossachs Explorer bus service. There's a clear appetite for sustainable and well-connected public transport options in rural Stirling, and in particular to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which this service responds to. "Every visitor and resident who uses the Trossachs Explorer helps to reduce traffic congestion and contributes to a reduction in vehicle emissions while helping to support rural communities." Liam McColl, Director of McColl's, expressed his pride in operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, adding: " This is a real opportunity to show what rural public transport can achieve when it's planned around local needs, environmental priorities and visitor access. "Our team has worked closely with the National Park Authority to design a timetable that provides reliable, accessible connections - not just for visitors, but for local people too. The feedback from last year's pilot has been invaluable, and we're excited to build on that by trialling new improvements and laying the groundwork for what we hope becomes a permanent, year-round network." The Trossachs Explorer is supported by funding from the National Park Authority, Tactran through Transport Scotland's People and Place programme, Stirling Council and Callander Community Council through the Braes of Doune Community Fund.
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Loch Lomond campaign launched to form 'deeper' nature connection
Nature Connections is aimed at people who feel overwhelmed or disconnected by the scale of problems affecting nature. It is being centred around the new Nature Hub, a free online resource on the National Park Authority website which is packed with practical guides, local events, volunteering opportunities and inspirational stories. It has family-friendly outdoor activities and Ranger-led walks as well as tips for everyday actions that can help. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'Our Nature Connections campaign recognises that although the global climate and nature crises can feel overwhelming, meaningful impact can be achieved through individual experiences and personal relationships with nature. 'The campaign highlights how simple, everyday interactions with nature can enhance our wellbeing while also contributing to environmental restoration. Put simply, nature protects us if we protect nature. 'Central to this campaign is our 'Nature Needs Heroes' initiative, celebrating extraordinary individuals whose passion and dedication demonstrate the powerful impact of local, personal action. 'Their inspiring stories remind us that safeguarding our environment isn't just about broad policies, strategies, or targets - it's also about people taking meaningful action locally. 'Each of us can positively influence both our wellbeing and the natural world through everyday actions in nature, and we encourage everyone to find inspiration in these stories and take their own steps towards forging their own nature connections across the National Park.'
