MountainSafe said families should not always aim for the highest peaks. Photo: Chris March CC-BY-SA-2.0
Mountain experts are warning parents forcing children up mountains in bad conditions could put them off walking for the rest of their lives.
The Snowdonia MountainSafe partnership said unsettled weather is likely over the bank holiday weekend, and families should consider low level routes rather than aiming for the high peaks in the national park.
The organisation is urging walkers to take advantage of alternative walking trails, but said preparation is essential for anyone heading out over the weekend.
Mair Huws, head of wardens and access at Snowdonia National Park Authority, one of the bodies in the MountainSafe partnership, said: “Walking on mountains can be very difficult whatever the weather unless you’ve prepared beforehand.
“Also, taking tired young children to a mountain summit isn’t fun and it can result in children having very negative attitudes towards walking for the rest of their lives.
“Please remember that you don’t have to venture to the high summits to enjoy the beauty of Snowdonia.
“What about taking one of the lowland routes or some of the forest trails: Coed y Brenin near Dolgellau or the Fisherman’s Path near Beddgelert or the Aber Falls path near Abergwyngregyn?”
Even in summer, walkers should prepare beforehand, a partnership spokesperson said. “Take a map, compass and make sure that you take plenty of water
“Dress your children suitably, with sun hat, sun cream, wet weather and warm clothes just in case.
“Take a look at the Met Office’s forecast for Snowdonia and don’t be afraid to cancel your walk if conditions are unsuitable.
“Respect the mountain and local communities, follow the Countryside Code and remember to take rubbish home.”
The MountainSafe Partnership includes Snowdonia National Park Authority, North Wales Police, North Wales Mountain Rescue Association, RAF Valley’s search and rescue crews, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre, British Mountaineering Council, Mountain Leader Training (Wales), Snowdonia Active, and the Met Office, with funding from the Welsh Government, via Sport Wales.
alan
24 August 2013Good common sensible advise, but will it be taken notice of
john newrick
24 August 2013Very much plain common sense in this article, it is a crying shame that common sense is such a rare commodity these days !
Margaret
25 August 2013One way or another it means fewer people on the hill !
Tony
26 August 2013I disagree it means less people on the hills. In the short term, on a bad day then perhaps but in the longer term it means people might return to the hills more and more. I am currently introducing my two lads (11 and 9) to decent mountain walking and it is a case of taking it steady and sensibly.
Margaret
27 August 2013Tony
Jim Bell (A Progress in Mountaineering) said, "Walking is the head and corner stone of all mountain climbing - whether a small local hill or a giant of the Himalaya".
He also said it should be learned steadily not in a great rush, as seems to be the modern way.
Also well worth introducing your lads to the vast history of Mountaineering - which you may already be doing.