A FOOTPATH in Snowdonia has been partly Tarmaced so more families and disabled people can enjoy the beautiful mountain landscape.
But the work, to level a mile-and-a-half of the Miners Track, from Pen y Pass in Nant Peris to Llyn Llydaw, has angered some mountaineers.
The Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) which carried out the work says the idea is to allow wheelchair and pushchair access.
But Gwynfryn Roberts, 54, from Porthmadog, regularly walks the Snowdon footpaths is among those who’ve criticised the decision. "The Miners (Track) is not an easy path to the summit and making the approach easier is going to encourage inexperienced people, to think it’s as easy as this all the way to the top," he said. One mountain rescue leader called the work a "necessary evil".
Ian Henderson, secretary of the Llanberis rescue team said: "Snowdon is many things to many people. To climbers Snowdon is a mountain first and foremost while to others it’s a theme park.
"Tarmacing part of the path is a necessary evil to make the mountain more accessible. Perhaps we’ll see fewer calls to twisted ankles as a result of this but we’ll have to wait and see."
Keen walker Jed Thornby, 43, from Castleford, said: "Families with pushchairs shouldn’t be encouraged up here. The weather can turn bad quickly and catch them out. Kids are vulnerable to cold.
"And what about mobility scooters? Will mountain rescue teams be on permanent call to retrieve people after their batteries run out?"
The work was carried out last week and is part of a scheme to upgrade paths in the national park to enable a wider audience to enjoy and appreciate the mountain Hywel Jones, SNPA Access Project Officer said.
He added the work coincides with renovation work at the Pen y Pass café and forms part of the National Park’s commitment to the 10:10 initiative.
Mr Jones said: "When improving paths, techniques vary depending on the terrain, the type of footpath and the user’s needs. In this instance, the majority of work on the Miners Track was undertaken using traditional techniques varying from stone pitching to laying aggregate. However, because of the unique nature of some sections these methods were not suitable.
"On three small sloping sections of the path between Llyn Teyrn and Llyn Llydaw, to ensure better access and longevity of the surface, we have had to use more durable methods and, in this instance, tarmac topped with crushed granite was used.
"This will now enable more people of all abilities to use the track from Pen y Pass to Llyn Llydaw, and it also forms part of our continuous vision to improve access and enjoyment to all."
Daily Post:6-7-10
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