Festival walkers will help raise funds for the air ambulance service
Outdoor enthusiasts who take part in a walking festival next month will be helping fund an air ambulance service.
The Snowdonia Walking Festival will kick off on 12 October and offers guided walks accompanied by local, knowledgeable leaders.
Snowdonia National Park Authority has helped organise the three-day festival with 12 walks on offer, costing between £15 and £20 per person. Cash raised will go towards the Wales Air Ambulance and walkers are being encouraged to raise extra money through sponsorship.
Participants will get a Wales Air Ambulance goodie bag and a discount voucher for Cotswold Outdoor.
Valmai Mattula of Air Ambulance Cymru, said: “Snowdonia is famous the world over for its majestic, rugged beauty and the Snowdonia Walking Festival not only gives you a chance to explore this stunning national park, but it also provides an opportunity to raise vital funds at the same time.
“Individuals and families can come along and we can also offer corporate packages for businesses looking for ways of fundraising with colleagues, or who would like to work on team-building skills and fulfil social responsibility schemes.”
One of the guides during the festival is Snowdonia National Park Warden, Dewi Davies. He added: “Going on a guided walk is one of the best ways to learn about the history, geology, culture and biodiversity of the area whilst appreciating the beauty and special qualities of Snowdonia at the same time.
“What we cannot guarantee however is the weather. Walkers should wear comfortable walking boots, a warm waterproof and windproof coat or jacket, and gloves and a hat.
“A rucksack with plenty of food and drink, extra water and sunscreen can also be handy.”
During the festival, six guided walks will be held in the northern area of the national park and will include walks along the foothills of the Carneddau from Llanfairfechan, Abergwyngregyn Falls, the Bridges Walks from Betws y Coed, Cwm Idwal, and along the Pyg Track.
In central Snowdonia, walks have been organised from Croesor, Cwm Bychan and an archaeological themed walk to Tomen y Mur near Trawsfynydd.
In southern Snowdonia, the guided walks include the Panorama Circular Walk from Barmouth, Foel Caerynwch from Brithdir and the Precipice Walk from Llanfachreth.
More details and booking arrangements are on the Wales Air Ambulance website.
