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For the last 20 years Glentress has charged for parking but the fees were suspended after the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. Citing increased trail maintenance costs and continual upgrading of the routes, Forestry Commission Scotland will reimpose parking fees from March onwards.
Ticket machines are currently being installed in the forest car parks.
Cars will be charged £2.00 per day and minibuses £5.00 per day. Regular visitors pay £30 for an annual permit which gives unlimited access.
People with disabilities do not need to pay for parking and there is a 50 per cent concession for over the 65s. There will also be special rates for volunteers who help build and maintain the forest’s mountain bike routes.
Alex Maclennan of Forestry Commission Scotland said:
"Glentress has changed in nature a lot over the past few years. The numbers visiting have jumped and this obviously has a knock on effect as we have to ensure all the trails and infrastructure are maintained to a high standard.
"Most people who come to Glentress are high repeat customers therefore they can take advantage of the £30 annual permit for parking. Over the year this works out at just over 50p per week which is very similar to what we charged before.
"We hope that everyone who uses the forest will understand the need to reinstate the charges in an effort to keep Glentress a great place to go."
