section six Case Studies Get ideas on where to visit – and see what others have done

Whether it’s protected wildlife, spectacular scenery, geological wonders, cultural heritage or adrenalin-packed activities, ’s National Parks and National Nature Reserves have something amazing to offer. case studies

Craigellachie NNR Loch Katrine Glenlivet Estate Inchcailloch (NNR) Glen Tanar NNR Endrick Mouth (NNR) Atholl Estate Balloch Castle Country Park

CASE STUDY ICONS cairngorms national park Accommodation Parking All abilities access Picnic area Assistance dogs welcome Place of worship AV Audio or visual guide Ranger base & the trossachs national park Boat trip Refreshments nearby Bus Shop Cycling Toilets Family friendly Train Historic structure Walking Horse riding Watersports Information centre Wildlife watching National Nature Reserve

Key contacts Useful websites

If you would like to explore Visitor information opportunities in the National www.visitcairngorms.com Parks and NNRs, please contact us www.lochlomond-trossachs.org for further information. A number of National Nature Reserves Bus and train timetables (NNRs) can be found within the National Cairngorms National Park www.travelinescotland.com Parks. NNRs are magical places where you www.cairngorms.co.uk can experience the incredible sights and 01479 873535 Walking routes sounds of Scotland’s natural world. They [email protected] www.walkhighlands.co.uk www.walkingonwheels.org help protect a wide range of wildlife and landscapes, including many rare species and Loch Lomond & The Cycle routes habitats of international importance. Trossachs National Park www.sustrans.co.uk www.lochlomond-trossachs.org 01389 722600 Weather forecast [email protected] www.metoffice.gov.uk Scotland’s National Mountain weather Planning your visit Nature Reserves (NNRs) www.mwis.org.uk www.nnr-scotland.org.uk For help in planning your visit, please read 01463 725000 Scottish Disability Equality the following sections in the Resource Pack: [email protected] Forum – Access Panels Funding and transport www.sdef.org.uk Section 2.2 Practicalities For a large print Word 01786 446456 Safety and risk assessments version of these case studies, Section 2.3 Assessing and Managing Risk Scottish Outdoor please contact the relevant Contacts and packages Access Code National Park Authority above. Section 4 Contacts & Information www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Image copyrights: Dougie Barnett/SNH, John McFarlane/Forestry Commission Picture Library, 2011 Ian Watson Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle

Loch Katrine has beautiful mountain, Stimulating the senses woodland and loch panoramas that have Being visually impaired can raise barriers to getting out and about in the countryside but a partnership between Visibility and Loch inspired artists, writers Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is tackling this head on. and musicians for By providing transport and National Park rangers to groups hundreds of years. from Visibility, geographical, financial and confidence barriers Within easy distance of were overcome. Visibility in turn delivered visual impairment Glasgow and , you awareness training to the Park rangers, giving them the skills and confidence to support visually impaired people accessing the can explore the shores National Park. on foot, bike or boat Throughout the summer months, the project staff led various walking and tandem and discover why this cycling events including ‘A Rob Roy Encounter’, to Rowardennan and loch is the ‘birthplace of tandem trips to Firkin Point on west Loch Lomond and Lochan Spling near Aberfoyle. Scottish tourism’. Participants benefited from the vast knowledge of the rangers and learnt about the history, folklore, environment and wildlife. The abundance of sensory stimuli in the form of water, plants, rocks and trees enhanced the overall experience for everyone involved. These events proved to be a huge success and were greatly valued by visually "A fabulous impaired participants. Both Visibility and the National Park are planning on making day and great more of these events available in the future. location. The company and tandem ride " were amazing

This project was organised by Visibility and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. If you would like to organise a similar activity aimed at encouraging people with Inspired? visual impairments to get out and about, please contact Visibility 0141 332 4632 Here's how... www.visibility.org.uk Image copyrights: Graham Burns/BTCV, John McFarlane/Forestry Commission Picture Library Top things to do Tyndrum Killin Lochearnhead Crianlarich Walking Queen Elizabeth Forest Park The trail along the north bank of Loch TH E T This forest park has a lot to offer ROS Katrine is tarmac and shared only SACHS

visitors, including waymarked trails Arrochar with cyclists and a few local vehicles. Loch Katrine Callander

There are some steep gradients and and wildlife watching. The David Lochgoilhead D Aberfoyle Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre at N motorised buggies can be hired O OM on-site, providing a safe opportunity Achray Forest has a restaurant, H L OC for those with limited mobility to see gift shop and accessible toilets. L David Marshall Lodge 01877 382258 this beautiful landscape. Balloch Wheelchair-accessible walk: www.forestry.gov.uk Inchmahome Priory www.walkingonwheels.org Steamship Set on an island in the Lake of Menteith, Cycling For over 100 years, the steamship Inchmahome is an Augustinian Cycling along Loch Katrine is a great way Sir Walter Scott has been ferrying monastery dating from 1238. The short to explore the area. You can even take people up and down Loch Katrine. ferry trip leaves Port of Menteith. your bike on the steamship and then cycle The steamship and the Lady of the Lake Visitors in wheelchairs must be able to back along the shore. A range of bikes is leave from the Trossachs Pier and get in and out of the ferry, and once on available for hire from the Trossachs Pier, booking is recommended. the island, accessibility is limited to the including bikes adapted for people with There is disabled access to the top grounds and parts of the church. disabilities. Hire a bike from one hour to deck but not to the toilet or café. Inchmahome Priory 01877 385294 a whole day. Trossachs Pier 01877 332000 Trossachs Pier 01877 332000 Fishing Waterfalls Fishing is by permit only, available at There are a number of stunning fishing tackle shops, some newsagents waterfalls in the area. The short or individual proprietors for salmon accessible Waterfall Trail at David and sea trout. The Lake of Menteith Staying longer? Marshall Lodge provides magnificent Fishery provides boats suitable for all Explore nearby: views of the impressive Little Fawn abilities, allowing wheelchair users to Waterfall. The Bracklinn Falls at • Inchcailloch island (NNR) participate in fishing and boating. The Callander are spectacular and can be • Glen Finglas Geisher Pool outside Callander has a reached by a short path from the town platform suitable for disabled anglers. • Strathyre Forest - keep your eyes open for red squirrels! Lake of Menteith Fishery 01877 385664 • Flanders Moss NNR How to get here Access for all Further information Nearest train station is Stirling (37 miles) The Trossachs Pier, from where the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ScotRail 08457 550033 steamship Sir Walter Scott leaves, has National Park Authority disabled parking, access and toilets. www.lochlomond-trossachs.org National and local bus services stop Motorised buggies are available for [email protected] at Callander (25 miles) and hire. 01389 722600 Aberfoyle (15 miles) Traveline Scotland 0871 200 2233 National Park Ranger Service Accommodation 01389 722600 Trossachs Demand Responsive A range of accommodation is available Transport service is like a taxi service in nearby Brig O’Turk, Callander and Visitor Centres but at public transport fares. All Aberfoyle. Loch Katrine 01877 376799 journeys must be pre-booked. Aberfoyle 01877 382352 Aberfoyle Coaches 0844 567 5670 Eating Trossachs Discovery Centre There is a café at the Trossachs Pier 08707 200604 and restaurants in Callander and Scotland’s National Nature Reserves Aberfoyle. www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond NNR

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Steeped in history, Inchcailloch is a peaceful Role models wooded island on Loch Encouraging young adults from minority ethnic Lomond that is reached communities to get involved in the outdoors can be difficult when there are few role models. by a short ferry trip To address this, Backbone (an outdoor training from Balmaha. The organisation) created a Community Leadership Project island is in the Loch to develop minority ethnic role models with the skills and confidence to lead their Lomond National communities in outdoor and environmental activities. Nature Reserve and As part of their training, a group of future leaders undertook an open canoe is on the Highland expedition to Inchcailloch. They learned how important water is and why it should be conserved and managed for future generations. The trip was a real eye-opening Boundary Fault Line. experience – some participants came from backgrounds where clean drinking water is difficult to find and others from backgrounds where water is taken for granted. The time on Inchcailloch allowed the group to interact and learn about each other and the outdoors in a positive, inspiring way. It also demonstrated that the outdoors is a powerful classroom for developing social and educational experiences. "It has The group completed the project feeling more knowledgeable and confident that shown me how they would be able to entice and excite people from their own communities to to look after engage more in the countryside. Upon successful completion, participants receive groups with more recognised national awards and are qualified to lead a group in a range of outdoor professionalism and activities. made me more aware of the" outdoors

This project was organised by Backbone and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage and Rank Foundation. Inspired? If you would like to take part in a similar project, please contact Backbone Here's how... 01997 414703 www.backbone.uk.net Image copyrights: Dougie Barnett/SNH, CNPA, Lorne Gill/SNH, John McFarlane/Forestry Commission Picture Library Top things to do Tyndrum Killin Lochearnhead Crianlarich Wildlife watching National Park Visitor Centre AV Inchcailloch is a wildlife haven with TH E T The centre at Balmaha offers ROS ancient oaks, alders, hazels and SACHS

interpretation and information about Arrochar carpets of bluebells. These woodlands Callander

are home to fallow deer and many the National Park and around East Lochgoilhead D Aberfoyle birds including goldcrest, Scottish Loch Lomond. Interactive displays N MO about the geology, cultural heritage LO crossbill and redstart. H Inchcailloch LOC and wildlife give visitors a taste of (NNR) why the area is so special. Rangers Walking Balloch There are two main paths on are on hand to answer queries. Inchcailloch: the Low Path is a gentle National Park Visitor Centre Fishing woodland walk and the Summit Path is 01389 722100 Fishing is available to anyone with a more strenuous route with a steep a permit, on sale at a variety of climb. There is a ranger base on the Historic Inchcailloch outlets, such as fishing tackle shops, island and guided walks take place Inchcailloch has a rich history newsagents or individual proprietors during the summer season. including Robert the Bruce and St. in the case of salmon and sea trout. National Park Authority Kentigerna, the daughter of an Irish The Lake of Menteith Fishery provides 01389 722600 King. The ruined church was built in boats suitable for all abilities, allowing Download a walking guide: her memory. For over 2,000 years, wheelchair users to participate in www.lochlomond-trossachs.org farmers grew oats and barley on the fishing and boating. island before it was planted with oak Lake of Menteith Fishery 01877 385664 Endrick Mouth trees to support the local industry. The Endrick Mouth area in Loch Lomond NNR is a haven for wetland Boat cruises birds, including wintering wildfowl There are a number of cruises Staying longer? Explore nearby: and geese. The river’s floodplain available. Departing from Balloch, Inchmahome Priory supports a wide range of plants Balmaha, Luss, Inveruglas and Tarbet • and animals, providing a wealth of these cruises allow you to see the • Luss conservation village opportunities for photographers beautiful scenery in style. • Loch Katrine and wildlife enthusiasts. Visit Scotland 01389 753533 • Flanders Moss NNR How to get here Access for all Further information Nearest train station is Balloch The National Park Visitor Centre There is a compost toilet on (12 miles) at Balmaha has disabled access, Inchcailloch but no running water. ScotRail 08457 550033 a hearing loop and large print Scotland’s National Nature Reserves interpretation about Loch Nearest bus stop is Balmaha car park www.nnr-scotland.org.uk Traveline Scotland 0871 200 2233 Lomond and the National Park. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Citylink stops at Tarbet and Luss National Park Authority Citylink 0871 266 3333 Accommodation There is a small campsite on Inchcailloch, www.lochlomond-trossachs.org A number of operators offer ferry which must be booked in advance. [email protected] services to Inchcailloch www.lochlomond-trossachs.org 01389 722600 Visit Scotland 01389 753533 Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel is National Park Visitor Centre, Balmaha National Park Authority 01389 722600 on the banks of Loch Lomond. 01389 722100 01360 870259 Eating National Park Ranger Service The island has limited picnic facilities, but Sallochy Campsite in Sallochy Bay is 01389 722600 no litter collection so please remember run by Forestry Commission Scotland. National Nature Reserve Manager to take all your litter away. There are a Pitches must be booked in advance. [email protected] number of places to eat in and around www.forestry.gov.uk 01786 450362 Balmaha. Endrick Mouth, Loch Lomond NNR

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Only three miles from Balloch, the Endrick Building confidence Mouth is part of Loch Lomond National outdoors Nature Reserve and is a haven for wetland Losing your job and struggling to find work can be very demoralising but participating in a project run by BTCV Scotland can help restore birds. The floodplain confidence and determination. of the nutrient- BTCV Scotland inspires people by creating a better environment rich River Endrick through environmental conservation volunteering where people supports many plants are valued, included and involved. They recently worked with Scottish Natural Heritage and a group of unemployed volunteers to remove and animals, providing invasive plants, including Himalayan balsam at Loch Lomond NNR. One of the great opportunities for greatest threats to the Endrick Mouth, these plants spread quickly and can rapidly wildlife enthusiasts and destroy native habitats. photographers. It was a great opportunity for those who have spare time and want to help the environment to gain new skills and confidence and meet like-minded people. One of the volunteers said, “I liked my time at Endrick Mouth pulling the plants because I met new people and had a laugh. Also it’s something I can put down as a job reference.” "BTCV has All BTCV Scotland offices run Midweek Conservation Groups, and in the Glasgow office helped me gain volunteers can join in with practical conservation tasks four days during the week and every the confidence to other Sunday. Projects are as diverse as working in community gardens and allotments, realise I could creating nature gardens in schools or working in local parks to increase biodiversity. successfully hold down a" full-time job

This project was organised by BTCV Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. Inspired? If you would like to get involved in environmental conservation volunteering, Here's how... contact BTCV Scotland 01786 479697 www2.btcv.org.uk/display/btcv_scotland Image copyrights: Graham Burns/BTCV, Lorne Gill/SNH, Peter Sandground/SNH Top things to do Tyndrum Killin Lochearnhead Crianlarich Wildlife watching Inchcailloch TH The River Endrick is the largest Inchcailloch is a beautiful wooded E T ROS SACHS river flowing into Loch Lomond island in Loch Lomond NNR offering Arrochar Callander and there are many birds that can stunning panoramic views. This

Lochgoilhead be seen throughout the year, from Reserve, reached by a ferry trip from D Aberfoyle N O ospreys in spring and summer to Balmaha, is a wildlife haven and the OM H L wildfowl and geese in winter. Otters woodlands feature ancient oaks, OC Endrick Mouth L (NNR) also frequent the shores. Guided hazels and Scots pines. There is a walks from Gartocharn are available. small picnic area and compost toilet Balloch Booking is essential. on the island but no running water. Reserve Manager 01786 450362 National Park Visitor Centre National Park Visitor Centre 01389 722100 AV Walking The centre at Balmaha offers The Aber Path leads you through Duncryne interpretation and information about the Endrick Mouth part of Loch Duncryne, or the Dumpling Hill as the National Park and around East Lomond NNR to the viewpoint at it is known locally, is a vent from Loch Lomond. Interactive displays Net Bay where you have views of an extinct volcano. The walk starts about the geology, cultural heritage the River Endrick and Loch Lomond. at a layby on a minor road off the and wildlife give visitors a taste of Starting at the Millennium Hall in A811. The path becomes fairly steep why the area is so special. Rangers are Gartocharn, the path crosses the towards the top where you will be on hand to answer queries. Aber Burn. Follow the path past an rewarded with stunning panoramic National Park Visitor Centre ancient yew tree before reaching views of Loch Lomond. 01389 722100 the shores of Loch Lomond. The path then weaves through Shore Drymen Volunteering and training Wood, a beautiful woodland laced Drymen is a picturesque historic The Reserve offers practical with wildflowers, and finally reaches village popular with tourists where the volunteering opportunities including the Net Bay viewpoint. The gradient remains of the medieval bridge across bird monitoring and habitat is gentle and there are some seating the River Endrick and the ruins of management, such as willow areas along the way. Buchanan Castle can still be seen. The coppicing and invasive plant removal. Download a walking guide: West Highland Way runs through the If you would like to get involved, www.nnr-scotland.org.uk village and it is also the start of the please contact the Reserve Manager. Rob Roy Way to Pitlochry. Reserve Manager 01786 450362

How to get here Access for all Further information Nearest train station is Balloch (3 miles) The National Park Visitor Centre Scotland’s National Nature Reserves ScotRail 08457 550033 at Balmaha has disabled access, www.nnr-scotland.org.uk a hearing loop and large print Nearest bus stop is Gartocharn Loch Lomond & The Trossachs interpretation about Loch Lomond Traveline Scotland 0871 200 2233 National Park Authority and the National Park. www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Eating [email protected] Drymen has a small number of cafés Accommodation 01389 722600 There are a number of B&Bs and and restaurants. self-catering properties in nearby National Park Visitor Centre, Balmaha Gartocharn and Drymen. 01389 722100 Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel is National Park Ranger Service on the banks of Loch Lomond. 01389 722600 Staying longer? 01360 870259 National Nature Reserve Manager Explore nearby: Sallochy Campsite in Sallochy Bay is [email protected] • Trossachs Discovery Centre run by Forestry Commission Scotland. 01786 450362 • Balloch Castle Country Park Pitches must be booked in advance. • Flanders Moss NNR www.forestry.gov.uk • Loch Katrine Balloch Castle Country Park, Balloch

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Located at the southern end of Loch Lomond, Changing attitudes, Balloch Castle Country Park is easily accessible changing lives from Glasgow and just a one minute walk Transforming attitudes of vulnerable young people who have lost from Balloch train confidence or motivation in their lives is something that Tullochan deals with every day. Recently, Tullochan and Loch Lomond & The station. With boat Trossachs National Park worked with a group of young people from cruises, woodland trails, West to help them achieve the John Muir Award. a walled garden and National Park rangers gave a talk to the group before taking picnic sites, the park is them out on a guided walk around Luss. The group learned about the National Park very popular with day and the variety of landscapes, habitats and species, including native and non-native invasive species. They undertook a study of one of the species they learned about on visitors. the walk and researched John Muir and his importance in the world of conservation and how he established National Parks. Part of the award included a wild camping expedition with Outward Bound Scotland where the group learned about the Park’s landscape and special qualities. They also took part in a conservation activity, which involved litter picking at Balloch Castle "The young Country Park, beach tidying or planting trees at Luss. people enjoyed The young people thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they realised that the skills and personal qualities developed during the award would assist them in future education, the National Park training or employment. and they learnt a lot from the rangers"

This project was organised by Tullochan and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. Inspired? For more information, please contact Tullochan 01389 726156 www.tullochan.org

Here's how... Image copyrights: Lorne Gill/SNH Top things to do Tyndrum Killin Lochearnhead Crianlarich Balloch Castle The original castle was built by the National Park Visitor Centre TH E T AV ROS Earl of Lennox in 1238, but only SACHS

Arrochar a mound remains today. The The centre at Balmaha offers Callander

present castle was built in 1808 interpretation and information about Lochgoilhead D Aberfoyle the National Park and around East N and the gatehouses and ruins of the O OM gamekeeper’s house can still be seen. Loch Lomond. Interactive displays H L LOC The beautiful walled garden was about the geology, cultural heritage Balloch Castle Country Park originally the castle’s kitchen gardens. and wildlife give visitors a taste of Balloch There are wheelchair accessible toilets why the area is so special. Rangers on the ground floor of the castle. are on hand to answer queries. Balloch Castle 01389 758134 National Park Visitor Centre Boat cruises 01389 722100 Enjoy a delightful cruise on Loch Walking Lomond. There are a number of A circular trail leads through Outdoor activities cruises available. Departing from Balloch Castle Country Park past A range of outdoor activities is Balloch, Balmaha, Luss, Inveruglas the walled garden and Balloch Castle. available in Balloch, including canoe and and Tarbet these cruises allow The trail is tarmac and mainly flat. kayak trips, pedal boating, mountain you to see the beautiful scenery At Loch Lomond Shores, there is biking, crazy golf and guided safaris. in style. an all abilities woodland trail with a Visit Scotland 01389 753533 Visit Scotland 01389 753533 collection of art and sculptures. Loch Lomond Shores Paddle steamer AV Water bus Explore the steam engines and Water bus services on Loch Lomond With a number of shops and paddles of the Maid of the Loch. have rapidly established themselves restaurants, Loch Lomond Shores Built in 1953, the Maid of the Loch as a great way to experience different is a focal point in Balloch and visitors has audio-visual displays showing locations around the loch. Linking west, can enjoy stunning views of Loch its history and there are interactive east and south shore locations like Lomond. This family-friendly site displays for children. All abilities Luss & Balmaha, Balloch & Balmaha and has a play area for children and a access is limited. Tarbet with Inversnaid & Rowardennan. sea life centre. Loch Lomond Steamship Company National Park Authority 01389 722600 Visit Scotland 01389 753533 01389 711865

How to get here Accommodation Further information Nearest train station is Balloch (20m) A range of accommodation is available Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ScotRail 08457 550033 in Balloch. National Park Authority Local bus services stop at Balloch Scottish Youth Hostel Association www.lochlomond-trossachs.org Traveline Scotland 0871 200 2233 SYHA Loch Lomond 01389 850226 [email protected] [email protected] 01389 722600 Access for all National Park Ranger Service Loch Lomond Shores is wheelchair 01389 722600 accessible and has all abilities facilities. Staying longer? Visit Scotland Eating Explore nearby: www.visitscotland.com There are a number of cafés and • Inchcailloch island (NNR) John Muir Award restaurants in Balloch and at Loch • www.johnmuiraward.org Lomond Shores. Endrick Mouth (NNR) • Luss conservation village 0131 554 0114 • Flanders Moss NNR Scotland’s National Nature Reserves www.nnr-scotland.org.uk