Pen-y-Pass, starting point for many ascents of Snowdon. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Anyone planning to tackle the national Three Peaks Challenge needs to prepare carefully, experts said.
As the daylight hours get longer, the number of walkers attempting a 24-hour ascent of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon increases, and with it the risk of something going wrong.
The impact on the environment and residents around the three mountains is also considerable, the Three Peaks Partnership said.
It said: “Unfortunately, unless participants are prepared and sensitive to the mountains and the local area, this can have a negative effect.
“In addition to more pressure on footpaths and habitats, parking can also cause problems for residents and visitors, with a significant amount of litter being left behind.”
Snowdon warden Carwyn ap Myrddin said: “Litter is a huge problem. We’re therefore urging everyone who attempts the challenge to take their rubbish home with them as facilities at all sites are already under great pressure.”
The warden also urged walkers to plan their journey and make sure they have the appropriate clothing and equipment. “Thorough preparation is needed before starting this challenge.
“You need to plan your route in detail; not only what type of clothing or equipment that you will need, but you will need to know where to park, and how to reduce your impact on the mountains and on the people who live close to footpaths’ starting points.”
Groups of volunteers are preparing areas for walkers and volunteers around Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon are busy fulfilling several tasks including footpath maintenance, clearing rubbish and advising the public before embarking on their journey.
A website has been specifically created for the challenge, which has information for walkers and organisers.
The Three Peaks Partnership was set up in 2013 to protect the landscapes that are home to the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales: Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon. The partnership consists of representatives from organisations and charities which manage the mountains including representation from Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust, the British Mountaineering Council, the John Muir Trust, Highlife, and the Nevis Landscape Partnership.
Richard Warren
11 May 2017A good article but equally I would suggest that the Three Peaks Partnership also make every effort to get on national TV as the audience we really need to address is not those who frequent these pages, the majority of whom will be knowledgeable, respectful and experienced mountain goers. It is a problem that does not seem to want to go away - from Wasdale MRT perspective there has definitely been a reduction in the numbers of callouts related to 3 Peaks and an increase in using professional guides. Having said that we still have to handle rescues for guided groups which says something about the guiding, especially keeping the group together. Litter is a problem plus the ablutions. It is especially frustrating for the locals who see no real benefit being in the middle if the three mountains. Food is bought at either end and packaging discarded in the middle I.e. No investment locally (although most arrive late evening when shops are closed. One problem is the use of glow sticks which are left on the mountain and picked up by dogs the following day who, after gnawing away at the casing get a mouthwash of chemicals. So we leave it to the partnership to get the message across to the masses while we will continue to pick up the pieces and hopefully remain non judgemental.
Ian512
12 May 2017Valid points.