Outdoor recreation opportunities explored by National Park
A new Outdoor Recreation Plan has been drafted by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to identify potential recreational opportunities that could improve the visitor experience and identify any gaps in the market. The Park attracts millions of visitors each year and these visitors all contribute to the local economy by enjoying a number of recreational activities including walking, sailing, kayaking, horse riding and cycling. The National Park has worked with a number of organisations over the last 18 months to formulate the Plan which it is hoped will generate an increased range of outdoor activities on offer. The new Outdoor Recreation Plan outlines commitment and aspirations from partner agencies over the next five years on a number of projects and the Park is seeking comments from the public on the plan’s contents.
Kenny Auld, Senior Access Officer explained: “We’re very lucky to have a strong network of paths and facilities running through the National Park. There are lots of things to see and do for our visitors and these are fundamental reasons why people come to the area. The aim of the plan is to build on the success of the network and expand on any future opportunities. Working closely with organisations such as Forestry Commission Scotland, Cycling Scotland, Sportscotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Disabled Ramblers and many more, we now have 130 proposals that we hope to progress over the next 5 years. We’re looking to get feedback regarding these proposals and we would also be interested to hear if we’ve missed anything or if there are any further opportunities to add.
Investing in areas and infrastructure is essential to help the local economy thrive and it’s this coordinated approach from a number of organisations that is so important to attract more visitors to the National Park. ”
Some of the proposed actions include:
– Developing and promoting the Park’s long distance walking routes, mountain biking network and park wide core paths
– Repairing the Park’s eroded mountain paths
– Better path links to the Park from Glasgow, Stirling and Dunoon
– A Park wide network of semi-formal campsites
– Promoting activity trails and itineraries for kayaking & horse back
– Promoting a network of berthing opportunities for motor boats on Loch Lomond
– Creating a community water sports hub in Balloch, a building that would provide facilities and opportunities to enjoy swimming, waterskiing and rowing.
The public consultation runs throughout August for 3 months. The National Park will hold the following drop in days for the public to discuss proposals with the project team.
National Park HQ, Balloch, 21 August 6pm-8pm
National Park HQ, Balloch, 29 August, 11am-2pm
National Park Offices, Callander, 11 September, 6pm-8pm
National Park Offices, Callander, 18 September, 11am-2pm
For more information or to comment on the proposals visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org