Car parks

We are working hard to ensure car parks are reopened in line with Scottish Government guidance. We are now in Phase 1: guidance for this phase urges people to continue to take exercise locally (broadly five miles), and access by foot, cycle or wheel (meaning wheelchair or similar) where possible. We kept car parks closed over the recent sunny weekend in line with advice from the First Minister about not crowding beauty spots.

It has been great to see so many people on foot and cycle and we urge you all to keep it up! PHRP car parks are small and do not accommodate many vehicles. Some car parks have had a further reduction in capacity to help maintain safe distancing and keep those accessing on foot, cycle or horse safe from excess traffic. If you do choose to travel by car and the car park is full, do not park illegally or irresponsibly – have a plan B or come back at a quieter time.

PHRP car park reopening measures:

• Parking spaces are reduced at the busiest car parking areas to help maintain safe distancing and protect those accessing on foot, cycle or horse from vehicles.
• If the car park is full – do not park illegally on roadsides or field entrances. Have a plan B or come back when it is quieter. Traffic wardens and police are monitoring the area for dangerous parking.
• When parking – remember to keep a safe distance from those in other cars.
• Drive carefully on narrow country roads – keep pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders safe,
• Live locally? We are urging you to continue to walk or cycle. Those less able bodied or who need to travel for exercise would benefit from parking availability.
• Please follow Scottish Government guidance to only travel locally (broadly within 5 miles) and preferably by foot, cycle or wheel.

Scroll to the bottom of our Coronavirus page to see the status of individual car parks.

TOILETS

Harlaw visitor centre and toilets remain closed, as Flotterstone toilets: they will not be reopening in line with the car parks as we are unable to provide the required cleaning regimen.

Please do not toilet outdoors irresponsibly. Go before your visit or follow the correct etiquette for going outdoors (download pdf). Many sites are extremely busy with families and dogs or have livestock present - we have encountered issues in the past with dogs and cattle ingesting human waste.

We have introduced some one-way paths near car parks to help pedestrians maintain social distancing on busy paths as visitor numbers increase. Please follow the signage.

At Harlaw, from the car park to and from the reservoir:

• follow the woodland path to the reservoir
• return to the car park via the access road

At Flotterstone

• Follow the woodland path towards the reservoirs
• Return to the car park via the access road – keep right

In all locations please do not congregate in the car parks or stop on narrow paths. Pass quickly but courteously, leaving as much space as possible.

Measures taken at car parks

The following measures have been taken at these car parks:

Bonaly upper: CLOSED to allow social distancing on Bonaly Road between the bypass bridge and the upper car park. Torduff Rd has been reopened but there is extremely limited parking at Bonaly: please do not drive here unless you have no other options.

Harlaw: restricted parking to allow social distancing on access track

Flotterstone: restricted parking to allow social distancing on access road

Threipmuir: restoration of three disabled parking bays

Accessing the PHRP on foot or cycle: tips to keep safe

• Keep right and face oncoming traffic if walking, cycle on the left.
• Stay alert to your surroundings – if you wear headphones keep the volume low and be aware of where you are in the road or path.
• If someone slows or stops in front of you, check it is safe before passing quickly but courteously, leaving as much space as possible.
• Be Safe, Be Seen – at dusk/dawn and night time make sure you are wearing bright, reflective clothing.
• Slow down or stop for horses and other farm animals and give them plenty of room when passing.