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Daily Record
4 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."
STV News
4 days ago
- STV News
Major upgrades to Conic Hill path completed after three years
Major upgrades to one of Scotland's most popular hills have been completed after three years. A new path has been created on Conic Hill, which draws more than 200,000 visitors every year, to help walkers stay on designated routes and protect the area's biodiversity and natural landscape. The new two-metre-wide path stretches 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit and was created through sub-zero temperatures and blistering heat. Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site by land and air, where contractors applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site. Similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, stone pitching ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. The £900,000 project's completion comes after the path was completely closed to the public in January 2025 after sustaining serious damage due to Storm Eowyn. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said the new path aims to encourage 'responsible behaviour.' The National Park Authority said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying and urged visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Conic Hill, affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature', draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and setting on the iconic banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the internationally significant Highland Boundary Fault Line. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Conic Hill, also known as a 'Mountain in Miniature'. Simon Jones, director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: '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. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvement 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.' Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton Construction, added: 'When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. 'We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as -10C to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. '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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
05-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Why I kick down Peak District stone stacks'
Stone stacks are a common sight along hiking trails up and down the one walker is on a mission to highlight the damage they can do to the environment - by kicking them Cox says some people have been building the stacks - some as tall as 6ft (1.8m) - using stones taken from an old wall near Mam Tor in the Peak District in Derbyshire.A recent video he filmed of himself kicking down the stacks has been watched more than a million times on social the Peak District National Park Authority says the structures are "detrimental" to the area, and have become more prevalent in recent years. "Look at this," Stuart says, before swearing in frustration during his Facebook video on 20 May."Destroy the lot of them." He then proceeds to kick down a stone stack. The 57-year-old, who works as a chartered engineer, lives in the Derbyshire village of Castleton, a short drive from Mam passionate about the area, and regularly documents his hikes on his Peak District Viking page. But his post about the dozens of stacks, built next to the busy Great Ridge footpath - about a 15-minute hike from the summit of Mam Tor - has received the most engagement."The majority of people have been quite supportive saying: 'Yeah, I hate them. We reduce them back to their natural state if we see them. Totally agree with you'," he said."Then I had the opposite reaction which was: 'Don't tell me what to do. I'll build them if I want and I'll carry on regardless'."I even had a couple of threats by private message, but I don't worry about those." The Peak District is far from the only location where stone stacks have proven problematic. For example, campaigners said towers of stones on a Scottish beach were a worrying says the stacks in his video have been built using stones taken from a former boundary wall, which ran alongside the popular Great Ridge is concerned this has damaged the habitats of the small creatures - such as frogs, toads and insects - that lived inside the is a view shared by the National Trust."The majority of the stone stacks featured in this video are not on National Trust land," a spokesperson said."However, there have been stacks created on parts of Mam Tor, and staff and volunteers will infrequently disassemble any found."The trust says stone stacks have also been an issue on land it is responsible added rangers had carried out extensive work to protect and preserve the hillfort at Mam Tor, which is a "scheduled monument and is of great archaeological importance"."The Peak Forest Wall is also historically significant, itself dating back to 1579," a spokesperson added."Sadly, the stone stacks are not only impacting the history of the site, but they are also affecting the natural habitats of wildlife that live and feed within these ancient walls."In the longer-term, it will disrupt the delicate balance of the landscape." Stuart says there is evidence of stones being removed from paths, which he says could lead to further erosion at an already popular walking to The Countryside Code, visitors should "leave rocks, stone, plants and trees as you find them and take care not to disturb wildlife including birds that nest on the ground".Anna Badcock, cultural heritage manager at the national park authority, says the stacks damage the "special qualities" of the national park and that the problem has got worse in recent years."[Stone stacks] are created by stone removed from historic features," she said."They are very detrimental to the historic environment which we have a statutory duty to conserve."Like walkers' cairns [a marker along a trail], once one is created, it encourages more." The authority says its rangers generally do not remove the stacks "unless they are dangerous or causing an obstruction on a right of way"."We're aware that the National Trust rangers have removed some at Mam Tor for this very reason," a spokesperson said he had tried to make contact with the owner of the land on which the stacks are located, and had offered to help rebuild the while his video has attracted some debate on social media, he hopes it might make a small difference to the place he added: "I'm very passionate about the area, it's an area people live and work in, and to see it being trashed, you know, it does rile you a bit."The more important element [of reaction to his video] was: 'I thought you were a bit of a fool when I first watched the start of the video but by the time I got to the end of it I realised, actually I didn't know that and from now on I will not build the stacks'."That's the important bit for me. Even if a handful of people have realised the error of their ways, then that made it all the more worthwhile."
The Herald Scotland
25-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Popular bus service returns to National Park this summer
LLTNPA said this year's expanded service draws on extensive feedback and evaluation from 2024, when 91% of surveyed passengers said they would use the shuttle bus again. New improvements include an extension to the route, now starting from Drymen, better connections to existing public transport services, a new local operator, and more accessible buses, LLTNPA added. Two low-emission, modern buses will run seven days a week between Drymen and Callander, stopping at popular visitor destinations including Aberfoyle, The Lodge, Ben Venue, Loch Katrine, Ben A'an, Brig o' Turk and Kilmahog (for Ben Ledi). READ MORE The service features improved connectivity with coordinated timetables linking existing bus services to and from Killin, Stirling, Glasgow, Alexandria and Balloch, as well as Loch Katrine sailing times. The service, operated this year by local company McColls, will trial further enhancements and route expansions this summer as part of ongoing efforts by the National Park Authority to provide sustainable travel options, reduce congestion, ease parking pressures and help visitors and residents connect and protect the National Park's special 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.' The Trossachs Explorer Shuttle Bus (Image: LLTTNP) Cllr Jen Preston, Convener of Stirling Council's Environment, Transport and Net Zero Committee said: '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, said: 'We're proud to be operating the Trossachs Explorer service this summer, helping connect communities and visitors across one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes. 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. It's great to see growing momentum behind sustainable rural transport, and we're delighted to be part of that story in the Trossachs.' 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. More information about The Trossachs Explorer, including timetables, prices and route details, is available on the National Park Authority website at
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.
