Latest news with #PlacePlan
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Major path upgrade completed on Scotland's Conic Hill
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority announced the completion of the £900,000 project on Conic Hill, which has been funded over three years between 2022 and 2025. The 1.4km path runs from the Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit of the hill and is two metres wide, designed to encourage visitors to stay on the path and protect the landscape. Helicopter delivering materials during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Its creation involved the use of more than 2000 tonnes of stone sourced from a quarry in Dumbarton, which was transported to the site by land and air. The park authority says the work has been carried out in a way that ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Simon Jones, director of environment and visitor services at Loch Lomond and 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 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.' Work is underway during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary, said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond and 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.' Conic Hill public path (Image: Supplied) Ryan Hamilton, from Hamilton Construction, said: '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 minus 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.'
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
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Major path upgrade on one of Scotland's most popular hills
LLTNPA said the investment, delivered over three years, "demonstrates its long-term commitment to protecting nature and promoting responsible visitor access, while working to support local businesses by enhancing and facilitating sustainable visitor experiences". Affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and geographic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line. The hill, which has an elevation of 361m, is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique ecological and geological significance. The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path. Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry have been carefully transported to site by land and air, where specialised contractors expertly applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. LLTNPA said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Work underway during the Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) The project's completion aligns with the 20th anniversary of Scotland's pioneering access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which came into force in 2005. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at LLTNPA, 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 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 said: 'I am 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 of Hamiliton 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 minus 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."
