Responsible tourism in Snowdonia

Safety in Snowdonia

It maybe common sense, but how common are the following safety precautions in your normal vacation preparations? If you are hiking, biking or on the water, it is always best to tell someone where you are heading. It may sound obvious, but it is amazing how many people do not bring maps or a compass, or are unsure how to use them. And wear the proper footwear. So many accidents are caused by bad shoes. Bring a basic safety kit with you if you are in the mountains, which should include a fold up foil shelter. Warmth and water are key. A whistle, torch and first aid kit can save a life. If you are on the water, wear buoyancy aids, and make sure they are properly fastened, especially on children who can slip out of them more easily.

And always check the Met Office website for a detailed weather forecast before you set out. And, if you are in the mountains, or indeed on the water, turn back if the weather turns bad. The mountains and water will be there tomorrow. Just make sure that you are too.

Mount Snowdon is charity central and, if you are coming for an event, consider extending your stay for a couple of days and spreading your money locally, not just funneling it all into a non-local charity. If every charity walker/runner spent one more night in a b&b and bought one more dinner locally, it would create a hugely positive impact for residents, food producers, publicans…the list goes on.  Mount Snowdon obviously gets lots of attention, but also lots of visitors. August it the busiest month with the Llanberis Path the most popular. Although the Park Authority maintains trails brilliantly, it is worth spreading the load to other peaks too.  Accessibility can be an issue in the mountains, but Snowdonia is tackling these issues providing accessible trails. It is also spreading the word among local businesses with its impressive Snowdonia for All movement. Find out more by getting in touch with our responsible tour operators or the excellent Eryri Ramblers.  Don’t even think about bringing your jet ski to Snowdonia. They are not allowed in the National Park but kayaks and canoes are welcome, as long as you stick to the Waterside Code, downloadable from Canoe Wales.  Mountain bikers are advised to stick to Snowdonia’s superbly managed mountain bike trails. Many will drift off piste, of course, and consequently a voluntary agreement exists on Snowdon's bridleways not to cycle on them between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from 1st May - 30th September.  There is a lot of talk about keeping the mountain trails clean, and rightly so. But the waters here are protected too, with very fragile ecosystems that are habitats for many of our wilderness wonders, such as otters and rare fish. So, clear up all your rubbish, don’t throw fruit peel or stones in the water and, if you are bathing, wear eco friendly sun creams and other products. We like the campaign run by the people living around Lyn Padarn lake in Llanberis called Loving Our Lake, which recently fought to have its beloved waters designated as official Bathing Water. They have a great blog and a strong community feel. You will see few plastic bags flying or floating around the National Park following the compulsory 5p charge on plastic bags in 2009 throughout Wales. So bring your reusable bags with you. Although it is vital to keep hydrated, plastic water bottles are a no no so please remember to bring refillable ones. Or treat yourself to a new one from one of the many outdoor shops here. If you are going on long hikes, it is worth investing in a water bag or backpack, with a tube attached for easy access. Camping should generally be confined to authorised sites but if wild camping you must, where possible, get permission from the landowner first. Otherwise, stay out of sight of houses and roads, do not light fires and of course, leave absolutely no trace of your visit. Check out conservation charity, Snowdonia Society and all they do in the region.