Walkers visiting a Lanarkshire landmark are putting people in danger with inconsiderate parking.
Tinto Hill is South Lanarkshire’s most popular and accessible hill walking destination and has proved especially popular with people seeking exercise during lockdown.
Over the last few months there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of people visiting the site to enjoy time in the outdoors.
The capacity of the car park has on many occasions been overwhelmed, resulting in large numbers of vehicles being inappropriately parked on the verges along several of the approach roads.
Landscape and Access Development Manager Simon Pilpel said: “We love to welcome visitors to come out and enjoy South Lanarkshire’s scenic spots, but inconsiderate parking has become a real issue at Tinto and we want to make sure people are aware of alternative locations that also offer great opportunities for outdoor activities.
“Parking on the verge of the approach roads can be dangerous for visitors and other road users as well as causing an obstruction for local residents, farmers and essential services. We would ask that if you visit the site and find the car park full please consider visiting an alternative location to enjoy South Lanarkshire’s countryside.
“There are many less well-frequented locations in the vicinity of Tinto Hill which provide equally attractive access to the outdoors and hills of the Southern Uplands.”
Alternative access to scenic spots in the area of Tinto include:
Tinto Hill alternative route - parking at Wiston village hall and access to summit path via Wiston Lodge
Coulter Fell, Shaw Hill and the reservoirs at Cowgill and Coulter – parking is available at Coulter village hall and a limited number of informal parking spaces on Birthwood Road at the start of the private road to the reservoirs.
Broughton Heights and the John Buchan Way – parking is available at Broughton village hall and at Broughton Place at the start of the John Buchan Way
Hardig Head and Ewe Hill – public parking in Lamington village. Please do not park on private road leading to Baitlaws House
Green Lowther and the Southern Upland Way – public parking in Leadhills and Wanlockhead villages
Hills around Camps Reservoir – access via Abington Village
Hills around Daer Reservoir and the Southern Upland Way – access via Elvanfoot
Southern Upland Hills at Clyde Windfarm. Several access points along the B7078 (runs parallel to the M74) south of Crawford.
