Visitors to Ben Wyvis urged to have 'plan B' ready
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is asking visitors to Ben Wyvis to plan ahead and have a ‘plan B’ destination in mind in case the car park is too full when they arrive.
The call comes as growing numbers of visitors emerge from lockdown restrictions and come to the site to enjoy the Munro and the National Nature Reserve. Although the hill is managed by NatureScot, access – and parking – is on land managed by FLS.
FLS Visitor Services Manager, Paul Hibberd, said;
“The NNR and Ben Wyvis are really popular sites and have become busier in the last year, but the capacity of the car park is limited. This means that there are a growing number of occasions where people arrive to find that there are no spaces so some will just park at roadside.
“This creates a hazard and causes roadside safety issues.
“That’s why we are asking all visitors to plan ahead, be considerate and park safely, and consider alternative sites to visit if they find it’s too busy when they get here.
“Please bear in mind that if it’s a beautiful sunny day it’s not just you who’s thinking about visiting. There is often space in the car park by early afternoon, as other walkers leave.
“We would urge everyone to continue to follow COVID guidelines.”
FLS improved the car park earlier this year, but expansion is not possible due to the surrounding land being deep peat.
FLS is working with NatureScot to explore what other possible solutions there might be.
Notes to editors
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Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot