I have just been over in the West and despite the rain and midges it was magic I am so lucky to live in Scotland. After a great walk with the dogs we had a swim in Loch Torridon. Next day we went to see Rhythm and Reel in Applecross hall. It was a fundraiser for the upkeep of the hall. I was drinking but what a great night.
I was lucky that when I was younger we had it seemed like the whole of Scotland to ourselves. Of course it’s different now and many enjoy the wild places than ever before.
Every village had a public toilet unlike nowadays run by the Council nowadays many are shut due to lack of cash and small local communities have to take another responsibility on. It’s a changing world.
Guide books, blogs and a changing attitude make it so popular to be out and about. It’s been wet on the West the old tracks are vulnerable to heavy traffic and a lot of damage is done. Is there a solution? Many do there best to repair the damage but it costs time and money especially in the remote areas. It would be great seeing the bike, gear manufacture putting something back into these areas.?
It’s the same in the mountains the increase in the use of the mountains is a great think but spare a thought for those who repair the paths. Many of the paths in the West are old stalkers paths heavy footfall damages them.
My local hill Ben Rinnes has a group that looks after the hill and a wee donation box at the start. This is for the upkeep of our path and seems to work.
Many groups help in their local hills and the John Muir Trust, Scottish Mountain Trust help with various projects as do many other local folk.
Many of the Highland roads are in poor repair despite the increase in use again money is tight so be careful in your car, motorcycle or bike big potholes are about,
So spare a thought for these places enjoy the wild and let’s try to leave something for future generations.
It was great to see that the Machair near the sea at Applecross is looking great the flowers are back since the area employed a ranger. The wild flowers are back and it looks great. Please help the local communities by using their facilities / campsites and giving something back to the area.
As always comments are welcome but please be aware of other folks views and keep it civil.
heavywhalley.wordpress.com 
What memories. Wild camping as boys on the upper reaches of the river Annick on the Glenouther moors. The smell of campfire smoke and the taste of food cooked on an open fire. We were unique in our day and this experience was virtualy exclusive to us. So different now as I observe the flotsam and jetsam of todays wild campers. I foster a wee boy aged 9 and have four grandchildren of similar ages whom I would love to share the experience of wild camping with and to teach them the ethics of respect and preservation. I have purchased a new tent in the last few weeks, a wee two man backpacking tent and I am determined that they should know the call of the wild as I did. Wish me luck.
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You from not need it!
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Sad to say there is untold damage being made to roads, tracks and parking areas due to overuse. Unfortunately, in my opinion campervan hire companies should encourage overnight stays on campsites rather than providing maps of free locations that lack facilities.
Hopefully the Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland and English Governments will start to fund road repairs in popular areas, particularly as they have encountered visitors.
PS Often overlooked is the number to tourist coaches on the roads throughout Scotland.
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