A new footbridge on the Roman Steps path. Photo: Snowdonia National Park Authority

A footpath leading to the Rhinogs in Snowdonia has been restored and improved in the light of its popularity.

The route, above Trawsfynydd in the West of the national park, leads to the Roman Steps and Rhinog Fawr.

Heavy use and severe weather took its toll on the path, which was restored by the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s footpath team with cash provided by Gwynedd Council.

The footpath is a popular route that starts at Graigddu-isaf and crosses Forestry Commission land out on to the Rhinog Fawr nature reserve. From there, walkers can access Bwlch Tyddiad and the historic Roman Steps.

A spokesperson for the national park authority said it is regularly used by outdoor activity organisations such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Snowdonia’s footpath uplands team has been working on upgrading the footpath over the last two months, battling the unseasonal weather which had contributed to the path’s deterioration.

A boggy section of the route before restoration work. Photo: Snowdonia National Park Authority

Workers have used machines and hand labour, and have opened trenches, created new culverts to drain surface water and erected wooden bridges. About 300 tonnes of aggregate was used to surface the path which had become waterlogged and boggy in places.

Access project officer Hywel Jones said: “The decision to upgrade the footpath leading up to the Roman Steps was a reaction to its popularity amongst locals and visitors.

“Continued heavy use and the appalling weather experienced in Snowdonia had taken its toll on the path, making certain sections difficult to navigate.

“We are pleased to have been able to carry out this much needed upgrade and hope it will bring continued enjoyment to those who come to Snowdonia to enjoy the vast network of footpaths available.”