ver the last 30 years there has been a significant increase in hill walking and climbing in Lochaber, necessitating improved footpaths and other facilities for walkers, where these are not provided considerable erosion has occurred, such as in Glen Coe. This presents problems particularly at popular routes and large numbers of people can become a visual impact in their own right. These problems are most marked at Ben Nevis, which is subject to wear and tear from thousands of walkers, tourists and climbers throughout much of the year. However, erosion has also occurred along the stalkers paths in the Mamore Forest, in the hills around Glen Coe and in Knoydart. The use of mountain bikes has increased in recent years and this activity without proper control, may have significant adverse impacts on the landscape. The majority of cyclists keep to forest tracks which are promoted and managed for this purpose and this limits damage to particular routes, for example, along the West Highland Way which is very popular with cyclists. However, other paths, especially hill tracks, are also used both by cyclists and by trial biker’s, this already presents problems of footpath erosion and this pressure seems likely to increase. With almost everyone owning a car these days, better public transport services, the ever growing population in Scotland and the rest of the UK, large car parks at the start of many mountain walks, mountain biking routes the erosion problems on our stunning mountain landscape is only going to get worst in the coming years. Conclusion Lochaber is unique place with its geological features and natural almost untouched habitats, however with the increase of outdoor adventure activities increasing there has to be real safeguarding management in place to protect the natural environment we hold so dear. References Forestry Commission Scotland [online] Available at: >