Popular mountains such as Scafell Pike see thousands of challenge visitors each year

Popular mountains such as Scafell Pike see thousands of challenge visitors each year

Charity challenge walks will come under the spotlight at a gathering organised by the British Mountaineering Council.

More than 60 delegates at the meeting at Rheged near Penrith in Cumbria will hear the pros and cons of staging challenges on Britain’s mountains.

Presentations will be given by large-scale event organiser the Original Mountain Marathon and outdoor provider Raw Adventures who take groups into the mountains to take on team, corporate and charity challenges in a responsible manner.

The conference will also hear from the Institute of Fundraising, the Snowdonia Society and the Lake District footpath and bridleway conservation body Fix the Fells.

Land managers from organisations such as the John Muir Trust, National Trust and national parks will also address the gathering.

BMC access and conservation officer Rob Dyer said: “We don’t want to discourage people from taking part in challenge events in the uplands but as many participants are not regular mountain-goers we are increasingly hearing of problems.

“Our advice to first-timers would be to ensure that you are properly prepared and where possible choose to go with a group of mountain professionals who understand the complexities of the mountain environment.”

The conference will explore the cost and benefits of challenge events in the outdoors, from the benefits to the local economy and the opportunities for people to explore our uplands, to the pressures on local services and the fragile environment.

Litter, erosion, human waste, traffic, noise, disturbance to local residents, and trails of abandoned glow sticks are just some of the problems linked with popular challenge events. There is also evidence of increased callouts to the mountain rescue services which could be avoided with better planning and preparation.

Elfyn Jones, BMC access officer for Wales said: “We’re looking forward to the day’s discussions and drawing together all the best practice to help inform our advice to organisers and participants of these events.

“We understand that charity and personal challenge events can also raise money for good causes and can bring benefits to the local economy as well as being a great way for people to explore our mountains and their unique landscapes.

“More needs to be done, however, to educate the public on the potential impact they can have and to develop a mechanism whereby visitors can give something back to ensure the mountains are protected and conserved.”

The BMC’s good practice guide is set to be published later this year.