Guidance note - Managing recreation on lochs

This document contains guidance from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority) for land managers on how to manage recreational use of lochs and other water bodies. The aim is to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits for visitors, particularly with the increase in accessible sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks. The guidance emphasizes a staged approach, starting with evidence-based evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and testing visitor management techniques. Suggested techniques include promoting responsible behavior, site layout and design, and agreed local guidance, with formal measures like byelaws as a last resort. The Park Authority's access team can offer advice and support, especially when developing advisory management measures. The document also notes that while responsible access is permitted under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, certain activities like using motorized watercraft require landowner permission.