The Snowdonia National Park Authority has developed a new initiative to inform and educate hillwalkers in popular areas.
Thanks to funding by the Welsh Government, visitors who are planning on climbing Snowdon will now be able to benefit from specialist information and advice at the mountain gate.
As part of a wider Mountain Safe project, a grant received by the Welsh Government was used to develop a mobile exhibition aimed at educating the public on how to enjoy the mountains safely. As well as providing information on Snowdon’s paths, information about other alternative walking routes in the area is also provided, and there will be a small supply of maps for sale.
The exhibition was developed internally by the Snowdonia National Park Authority. Rooftop solar panels enable the use of touc-screen technology, providing access to the Authority’s website as well as other important information such as weather forecasts and public transport timetables.
The van will mostly make an appearance on weekends, but with the help of the Snowdon Voluntary Wardens the van may also make its rounds during the week.
Adam Daniel, the Senior Warden for the North of the National Park who led the project explained:
“One of the challenges facing us wardens is reaching and advising as many of the individuals who venture up Snowdon every day as possible. While we have a warden present at Pen y Pass daily during the peak season, it is very difficult to reach walkers on other paths. The Llanberis Path is especially busy, therefore by locating the van at the bottom of this path we hope to be able to advise as many walkers as possible to try and ensure that they have the best possible experience on Snowdon.”
The next stage is to develop information for the Cadair Idris paths so that the van can visit the south of the Park occasionally, as well as a general exhibition for use when the van is taken to various events or shows across the Park.