Our advice for visitors to the National Park
Now that lockdown restrictions have eased it is great to be welcoming visitors back to the National Park. However, it’s still important that we all continue to keep following the latest Scottish Government advice and to enjoy the National Park safely and responsibly.
In 2021 we experienced one of the busiest summers ever in the National Park and with some travel restrictions still in place for travelling abroad, we’re expecting to see lots of people enjoying staycations again this year. Whether you’re coming for the day or for a week, it’s really important to plan ahead before you set off to make your visit as safe and enjoyable as possible.
What is open where?
Businesses and facilities around the National Park have been gradually opening up again, but may still be operating on reduced or different hours. This goes for those managed by the National Park Authority as well as other public bodies and local businesses.
Please check the most up to date information on the location and status of car parks and toilets, and other visitor facilities, before you come.
The National Park’s seasonal camping management byelaws are in place between 1st March and 30th September. During this time you will need to stay at camping permit areas or campsites in certain parts of the National Park. Our camping advice will help you plan before you arrive.
The Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway is open with reduced facilities – make sure to remember to register your boat before you arrive.
What do I need to do?
Having considered the national guidelines and checked whether there are facilities you might need to use, remember to:
Protect yourself and others – It’s important to remember that the virus has not gone away. You can protect yourself and others by:
- Continuing to wear a face covering indoors or on public transport
- Keeping your hands clean
- Avoiding crowded spaces and staying 1m apart from others
‘Go’ before you go – Toilet facilities may be operating at reduced hours/capacity. Make sure you ‘go’ before you go and check where the nearest public toilets in the National Park will be.
Plan ahead – Throughout the year even when the weather isn’t great, popular places get very busy and car parks fill up early. Please check the most up to date information on the location and status of car parks and toilets, and other visitor facilities, before you come. Have a Plan B if your first choice of destination is going to be busy.
Journey Planner – Our new Journey Planner app is a pilot project which gives you all the potential travel options for your journey in one place, making it easier to research, plan and book a day trip.
Think of alternative options – As some popular places can get busy on nice days, we also suggest you think of alternative options for A Different Adventure in the National Park.
When you get here
Finally if you are out and about in the National Park always:
Be kind and show respect for others – We all enjoy getting out into nature and this can be especially beneficial in difficult times. It’s also important to remember that many people live and work in the National Park.
Whatever you bring with you, take it home – This one is easy! Respect your Park and be a responsible visitor. Don’t leave your waste behind, including next to bins. Pack two extra bags so you can take your litter away safely and leave some space in your car or bag to carry it home.
Support local businesses – Help small and local businesses continue to get back on their feet by visiting local cafés, restaurants and shops. Remember you may need to book ahead.
We hope you enjoy your visit.