1 Content Where to Get Information 3-5 Enjoying Snowdonia Safely 6-8 Discovering Snowdonia 9-19 Caring for Wildlife 20-22 Contact Details 23-27 Snapshot - Ffestiniog 28-30 Caring for Snowdonia 31-39 Crossword 40-42 Kids Corner 43 Canolfan Astudio 44-47 Questionnaire 48-50 SNPA Improvement Objectives 51 New „App‟ 51 For an audio CD of this publication contact the Communication Section at the Authority‟s Headquarters in Penrhyndeudraeth or one of our Information Centres. The publication is also available in large print on our website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk 2 Welcome This year the Snowdonia National Park will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Snowdonia was designated a National Park because of its natural beauty. The Park Authority is responsible for safeguarding and promoting enjoyment and understanding of the Park‟s special qualities. Today, the Park is under increasing pressure. Every year, because of its renown, millions of people come to enjoy Snowdonia‟s coast, hills, rivers, lakes, wildlife and its special cultural heritage. Remember, when you come to Snowdonia, support the local businesses, recycle your waste, and use public transport whenever possible. In this issue of Snowdonia we provide information on how to enjoy Snowdonia healthily and safely. We provide information about a circular walk in the Bala and Ardudwy areas, and an accessible path in Betws y Coed. You will also be given a snapshot of the Ffestiniog area, and read about the history and heritage of Blaenau Ffestiniog. In this issue we have information on how to care for wildlife, and become more familiar with Snowdonia by attending a course at Plas Tan y Bwlch. For more information go to the Authority‟s website www.eryri-npa.gov.uk Aneurin Phillips SNPA Chief Executive 3 Where to get information Arrived in Snowdonia without making any plans in advance? No idea what to do, where to go or how to get there? Don’t despair – just head for one of our Information Centres... Our friendly staff have excellent local knowledge – they can help you find accommodation, advise you on things to do, places to see, and the best places to eat and shop. What‟s special about our Information Centre staff is that they have pride in Snowdonia – and are eager to ensure that you are given the opportunity to experience what makes Snowdonia so special. Where can you find us? Betws y Coed The old Royal Oak stables – down the driveway opposite the Royal Oak Hotel. Or from the other side – down the driveway opposite the Log Cabin on Station Road. Tel: 01690 710 426 E-mail: [email protected] Beddgelert In the old roadside chapel a little way down from the Royal Goat Hotel. Tel: 01766 890 615 E-mail: [email protected] 4 Dolgellau Tŷ Meirion building – on Eldon Square in the centre of Dolgellau town. Tel: 01341 422 888 E-mail: [email protected] Harlech On the crossroads at the northern end of Harlech high street, a little higher up from the castle. Tel: 01766 780 658 E-mail: [email protected] Aberdyfi On the wharf in the middle of the village, next to the lawn. Tel: 01654 767 321 E-mail: [email protected] Internet access Need to do some research on the internet? Check the weather forecast, or catch up with your e-mails or world news? For a reasonable price you can access the internet at our Information Centres in Dolgellau, Aberdyfi and Beddgelert, and plans are underway to extend the service to our centre in Betws y Coed. 5 Local crafts Why don‟t you take gifts and souvenirs with a difference home with you? Go to our Information Centres in Betws y Coed, Beddgelert or Dolgellau and you will be spoilt for choice with a wide variety of local crafts of all shapes and forms. Snowdon Summit in Betws y Coed? At our Information Centre in Betws y Coed, you can go to the summit of Snowdon without going to the effort of walking up! Look out over Snowdonia in our circular room which has a 360º panoramic view from the summit of Snowdon, or enjoy Snowdon‟s dramatic landscape from a peregrine‟s point of view – by watching the „Flight Over Snowdon‟ film in our theatre. 6 Enjoying Snowdonia Safely Mountain Safety Are you planning on climbing Snowdonia‟s highest peaks? Remember that mountain climbing can be risky if you‟re not thoroughly prepared. Follow the advice below so that you can enjoy Snowdonia‟s mountains safely... Plan your route carefully before you set off, and remember to choose a route that suits the fitness level of everybody in your group. Remember that reaching the summit is only half the battle, and that coming down can be harder than going up as you will become tired and more likely to slip or trip. Keep to your planned route and don‟t follow others in front of you – how do you know that they‟re not following a much more challenging and dangerous route than you? Wear comfortable walking boots, and warm and comfortable clothing. You will need a waterproof and windproof coat and overtrousers. In winter, you will need to wear a thermal base layer, gloves and a hat. Carry a rucksack with plenty of food and drink – mountain climbing is hard work so it‟s important to keep your energy levels up. On sunny days take extra water and use plenty of sunscreen. Take a map and compass with you and know how to use them, and an extra layer of clothing. In case of an emergency, take a torch, whistle, a small first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone, but don‟t rely on a mobile phone to get you out of trouble – you are not guaranteed a signal on the mountain. Check the local mountain weather forecast before you set out, and turn back if the weather worsens. Winds on the mountain can be as strong as a 7 hurricane, low clouds can make it impossible to see, and temperatures can plummet below freezing in no time. Tell a responsible person about your plans, which way you intend to go, and when you expect to be back – so that they can raise the alarm if you fail to return by your given time. Remember to let them know when you do get back safely, or if your plans change. In an emergency – call for help by phoning 999 and ask for North Wales Police – Mountain Rescue. Coastal Safety Don’t fancy climbing mountains? But want to enjoy Snowdonia’s beaches, estuaries, lakes and rivers? Follow the advice below so that you do so safely... Keep children under close supervision whenever they are near water, and tether any dinghies or inflatable toys to the shore. Check the local tide times to make sure that the tide doesn‟t cut you off from the mainland – remember that the tide comes in very quickly. Tide tables are available at local newsagents or on-line on the BBC or Easy Tide‟s website. Read any safety signs and follow any instructions. Be aware of quicksand. Keep to your depth in the water, and don‟t go into the water after drinking alcohol. Don’t dig tunnels into sand dunes – they can collapse and suffocate you. 8 In an emergency – call for help by phoning 999 and ask for the Coastguard Service. 9 Discovering Snowdonia Snowdon Footpaths Towering at 1085 metres above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales (and England). Thousands visit Snowdonia each year to climb this iconic mountain – and one of the most common questions asked by them is “Which path is the best one to climb Snowdon?” Here‟s a little information about the six paths… Llanberis Path Distance: 9 miles/14.5 kilometres (there and back) Ascent: 3199 feet/975 metres Time: Around 6 hours (there and back) Start: Far end of Victoria Terrace, Llanberis Description: This is the longest and most gradual path, which mainly follows the line of the Snowdon Railway. This path is thought to be the easiest to walk in mild weather, but the higher slopes can be very dangerous when there is snow and ice on the ground. Snowdon Ranger Path Distance: 8 miles/13 kilometres (there and back) Ascent: 3071 feet/936 metres Time: Around 6 hours (there and back) Start: Near Llyn Cwellyn lake, Betws Garmon 10 Description: This is one of the quietest paths, which climbs gradually to the foothills of Moel Cynghorion, before climbing steeply and loose underfoot up the shoulder above Clogwyn Du‟r Arddu. Rhyd Ddu Path Distance: 7.5 miles/12 kilometres (there and back) Ascent: 2936 feet/895 metres Time: Around 6 hours (there and back) Start: Rhyd Ddu Car Park Description: This is the quietest path up to the summit. The first mile climbs gradually along an old slate quarry track, but then climbs quite steeply over rocky terrain up to Crib Llechog ridge. The final section of the path is very narrow with steep slopes on both sides. Pyg Track Distance: 7 miles/11 kilometres (there and back) Ascent: 2372 feet/723 metres Time: Around 6 hours (there and back) Start: Pen y Pass Description: Although this is one of the two paths that have the least ascent, it is thought to be the most rugged and challenging of the six paths. The path climbs quite steeply over rocky terrain for the first three quarters of the way, and the last 11 quarter is a steep and rough climb up the inner side of the Snowdon Horseshoe.