Glen Orchy Restrictions

Aug 21, 2020

Paddlers need to be aware that Argyll and Bute Council, having consulted with both the local residents in Glen Orchy, the Community Council, and the main landowner, Forestry and Land Scotland, have had to implement temporary measures to protect the peace and quiet for residents, road safety, and also environmental degradation of the river valley, due to very excessive wild camping.

These blockades of many stopping places in the valley will undoubtedly, regrettably, affect parking for paddlers on the river, although the two sportscotland car parks have not been blocked. They could, however, be subject to use by camper vans.

If SCA members have problems, please report them to the SCA, so that they can be passed on to Argyll and Bute Council. It would help greatly if a grid reference of the location, could be attached as well, as there are many different parking places.

It is sincerely hoped that these measures are very temporary, and removed by late October at the latest. Thanks for your co-operation

Update for paddlers - access to R. Orchy - Sept. 16th

Paddlers are reminded that normal access to the Orchy is now very difficult, but steps are being taken to rectify the situation. Tony Hammock from Oban is working with both Argyll and Bute Council, and Forestry and Land Scotland (the landowner) to try and modify the blockages to most parking areas. These were put in due to the considerable damage that ensued as very large numbers of people camped in the glen during the summer months.

It is still possible to park:

At the normal access on to the river at Bridge of Orchy (but the picnic site there has been wrecked)
At Witches Step, just before the Falls of Orchy, there is parking, but this space is used as a passing place
At the forestry bridge below the Falls of Orchy (restricted by a large pile of gravel.
All other places are blocked with boulders now

It is hoped that with poorer weather, the onset of winter, and far fewer people travelling ,that the situation will improve in coming months. FLS have much sympathy for paddlers, and will try and remove boulders as they think it safe to do so.

Tony Hammock, SCA Access Advisor for River Orchy, will also be in touch with paddlers to ascertain priorities for access in the glen.

Further updates will follow

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