Tourism in the Upland Isle of Arran, Scotland - Paper 1 Flashcards
Name 3 impressive glacial features that are here:
-Goatfell
-A’Chir ridge
-Glacial troughs
What is Goatfell?
-Arran’s highest mountain and most popular natural visitor attraction.
-It has an 874 metre summit of its pyramidal peak, visitors can see all the way to Ireland on a clear day,
What is A’Chir ridge?
-A knife-edged glacial arete that divided 2 corries. It is Arran’s most exciting and challenging ridge. Climbers must be extremely careful as there is a long, vertical drop either side.
Name 2 deep and wide U-shaped valleys (glacial troughs) here:
-Glen Rosa
-Glen Sannox
There are many visitors who come with the intention of what?
-Climbing
-Biking
-Riding
-Paragliding
-Abseiling
-Helicopter rides are also available
What are 3 negative impacts of tourism in Arran?
-Footpath erosion
-Congestion
-Frequent injuries and fatalities
Where does footpath erosion mostly occur?
On popular paths at ‘honeypot’ sites.
What is one of the worst affected routes for footpath erosion?
The North Goatfell Ridge. The problem is made worse by steep slope angles, and high altitude brings relief rain and more soil erosion.
When is there a lot of congestion?
At popular times of the year.
How have many people died in Arran?
Walking and climbing Arran’s mountains and underestimating the challenge.
What is another negative affect of fatalities in Arran?
Upsetting for the islanders and costly too as sometimes the Arran Mountain Rescue Service requires the help of expensive RAF helicopters.
What are 3 positive impacts of tourism in Arran?
-Island relies on tourism as a large part of its income
-Creates more jobs
-Helps tackle island’s ageing population problem.
What are the annual visitor numbers?
Over 400,000.
How much is generated from tourism annually?
£160 million
How is tourism helping tackle the island’s ageing population problem?
Young families with children fall in love with the the island’s dramatic upland landscapes and decide to move there permanently.
How is footpath erosion being managed?
-The National Trust for Scotland have established a mountain path team to restore mountain paths.
-The National trust are carrying out maintenance and small-scale restoration.
-Some paths are stabilised using paving stones to create steps
Through what scheme have the mountain path team raised money through?
Footpath Fund Appeal.
What is the benefit of using paving stones to create steps?
Stops soil erosion and mud flows, which allows natural regeneration of vegetation to occur.
How much does footpath regeneration cost?
£140 per metre.
How is climbing and walking accidents being managed?
-The Arran Mountain Rescue Team provides search and rescue assistance to walkers and climbers.
-All its members are experienced
-They are on call 365 days a year
-All are unpaid volunteers.
How is seasonal tourism and visitor numbers being managed?
-There are purpose-built visitor attractions such as Balmichael Centre which encourage people to visit the island in winter when walking in upland areas becomes more difficult.
-This means that more locals have permanent full-time tourism jobs.
Has management strategies with footpaths been successful?
Although costs are high there’s been great improvements. water is made sure to drain quickly from paths, meaning that repairs are intended to be lasting and sustainable.
Has management strategies with visitor numbers been successful?
Still rising, this makes some locals unimpressed.
How are footpaths, accidents and visitor numbers interrelated?
-More visitors than ever are using improved footpaths, more walkers may be getting into more danger than in the past.
-In 2015 there was a record number for rescue call-outs.
