Useful Information

Boating: Currently, due to landowner restrictions, launching boats from a trailer on Loch Rannoch is almost impossible, except at the launch site operated by the LRCA located at Killichonan. All motorised boats require a permit. For further information, please contact the Senior Warden on the number shown.

Water Safety - Please be aware:
Water temperatures can be very cold all year.
Loch and river levels can change rapidly even in dry conditions as they
are controlled by Hydro-schemes.
In certain places the loch edge drops away steeply.
There are many large rocks just under the surface at loch edge.
There are no safety boats currently operating on Loch Rannoch.

Ticks and Lyme Disease: Check for small spider-like creatures on yourself and dogs. Remove carefully with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, do not squeeze. Tick removal tools are available in The Country Store Kinloch Rannoch, on line or at the vets. Follow the instructions.

Public Toilets:
Rannoch Station
Braes of Foss (Schiehallion car park)
Queens View

Camping: The official Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) campsite in Rannoch is on the south shore at Kilvrecht 2.5 miles (4 kms) from Kinloch Rannoch. tay@forestry.gsi.gov.uk 03000 676 380 There are other commercial sites on Loch Tummel, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.

Camping Roadside or informal camping
Following the Countryside Code (see below): a few simple guidelines can reduce any impacts on the environment.
Whenever practicable, please use an official campsite with sanitation facilities (see above).
Remember, vehicles have a great impact on vegetation; park on hard ground or on a safe tarmac area. Do not park in passing places on single-track roads.
Roadside camping can cause significant problems, and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code guidance is that you stay no longer than 2-3 nights in any one place.
The area is patrolled by wardens who will report anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland.

Scottish Outdoor Access code www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
Observe the code at all times - act responsibly. Access rights are not an
excuse for anti-social or illegal behaviour.
Remove all fishing tackle, hooks etc. as these endanger wildlife
Keep control of dogs
Do not disturb livestock, crops or fences. Leave gates as you find them.
Be sensitive to deer management issues. Local employment depends on deer remaining undisturbed at certain time of the year. Your co-operation at these times is important to us. Stalking does not occur on Sundays, use phone details to determine access with proprietors.

 

Lighting Fires
Use a stove if possible.
Deadwood is an important habitat for insects and many small animals, so it is best to avoid campfires completely.
It is a criminal offence to cut down or damage trees. This also includes trees that have been cut for timber production.
Never light an open fire during prolonged dry periods or in areas such as woods, farmland or on peaty ground. Heed all advice at times of high risk.
If you must have an open fire keep it small and under control.
Never leave your fire unattended and make sure it is out before you leave.
Remove all traces.
Fires that get out of control can cause major damage, for which you might be liable.

Toilet waste - Where to ‘Go’ outdoors
Human sanitation in the outdoors is as essential as other outdoor skills. If public toilets aren’t available the best method to dispose of excrement is usually to bury, but this needs to be done sensitively.

Dig a hole approximately 150 mm (6 inches) deep and 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter at least 30 meters from water.
Bury the faeces and replace the turf.

Remember children play here!

Clean water
The lochs and streams are often local water supplies.

When you need to go to the toilet

do so 30m away from open water, rivers and streams.
Never empty chemical toilets in the countryside or into watercourses.

Use official sites or take them home.

Litter
Take away all of your rubbish. Use bins where these are available.
Consider picking up other litter as well. There is no local litter collection.
To keep our countryside as we would all wish to find it, set yourself the challenge of leaving no trace of your visit.

Avoid overcrowding
Keep groups small, quiet and well away from buildings, roads or historic structures.

The children from an Eco-Group in Kinloch Rannoch Primary School through their conservation work, fully endorse the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and ask you to please take care of their countryside.