Volunteers at the Envirotrek Keswick clean-up last year

A mountain leader is urging outdoor fans to help clean up Snowdonia after the recent hot spell led to an extra influx of visitors and the inevitable increase in rubbish left behind.

Kate Worthington of Llanberis-based Raw Adventures is helping organise the Envirotrek event next month.

Ms Worthington said: “Unfortunately, with an influx of people in popular locations, there is usually evidence left in the form of picnic debris, litter and dog mess.

“To keep this beautiful mountain area clean, we all have to take some responsibility and we can all do something to help this worldwide issue.

“So north-Wales-based mountain activities provider, Raw Adventures, thought it appropriate that Llanberis should take part in Envirotrek Series 2014, on the back of successful UK events held in the Peak District and Lake District in 2013.”

The clean-up is part of the Respect the Mountains-backed series of events across Europe, which also includes another Lake District effort in August.

The Envirotrek events are sponsored by outdoor brands Keen and Bergans of Norway, along with Barefoot Wine.

Participants help with the litter pick and clean up and are then offered outdoor activities. The clean-ups take place in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and France and the series is in its sixth year.

The Llanberis event will take place on Sunday, 17 August.

Ms Worthington, who is also a member of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said: “Base camp will be at The Heights pub on Llanberis High Street. 10am will see the opening of the event followed by a morning’s local clean up activity and walk led by local leaders.

“The recent hot weather has seen many people using the shores of Llyn Padarn for parties, picnics and barbecues, for example, so hopefully we can help keep the shores of the lake clear of potential litter and debris.

“This session will be followed by our own barbecue back at The Heights as reward for the morning’s efforts.

“The afternoon is set aside for participants to enjoy canoeing on Llyn Padarn, a high ropes course or local climbing and abseiling facilitated by local providers. There will be a chance to win some great prizes including Keen footwear and gifts for the best or most interesting litter found, with the day’s event closing at approximately 4pm.”

The Lake District event will take place the following week.

Ms Worthington said: “Ultimately, this event is to make us revisit important ‘leave no trace’ principles and spread the word to as many people as want to hear it.

“There is no harm in us all remembering from time to time what it is we love about our worldwide outdoor environments and what little changes and help we can give them, on the ground – local and global.

“For example, Respect the Mountains promote seven ways in which we can sustain the use of popular mountain areas: book smart; travel wise; support sustainable practices; be a respectful mountain tourist; leave no trace; reduce, reuse, recycle, upcycle; spread the word.

“These principles apply to whatever area we call our playground.”

Cost for the day’s activity, including lunch and event t-shirt, is £9 for adults and £4.50 for under-12s. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Details of how to register for the event are on the Envirotrek website.

• Kate Worthington will also be taking part in the Real3Peaks Challenge later this year. The event is a repeat of last year’s activities, when outdoor instructors and leaders helped clean up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on the same day.

This year’s effort is planned for 4 October.