paths and arrange work that needs to be done, while Conwy is responsible for funding that work. This is an excellent example of working together which makes a difference at a grassroots level.
twice and to be prepared before setting out.
Another essential role of the Access Team is joining up the strategic goals of the Park’s Management Plan and Leisure Strategy with the work done by the wardens and the estate teams, by finding opportunities to develop access to land and water. It was the Access Team who worked so hard planning and preparing Lôn Gwyrfai, a new multi-use path between Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert which was opened last year. Much of this was work behind the scenes and included discussions with landowners, sourcing funding, planning the route and so on.
Looking to the future, the financial challenge will obviously affect us and we will have to think more creatively to fulfil our role. Being able to evaluate our work is a constant challenge. We can count the number of gates that are installed, or the number of stiles replaced, but it is impossible to evaluate a substantial part of the Service's work: the negotiation, the advice, and the efforts to resolve conflicts and achieve a consensus. This is essential routine work, but it is also work that can’t be measured against targets.
The future?
Disgyblion Ysgol
I foresee that we will be unable to undertake so many substantial projects in the future, and we will have to cut our coat according to our cloth. Despite that, I’m confident that we can continue to work towards creating a circular walk around Snowdon’s foothills, and I would love to see a Meirionnydd Circular Trail between Bala, Dolgellau and Trawsfynydd.
Another of the Access Team’s Eirias yn cydweithio responsibilities is dealing â wardeiniaid lleol. Ysgol Eirias pupils centrally with complaints working with local about paths, access and wardens. other matters connected with © APCE/SNPA leisure. This is one reason for establishing our Public Rights of Way database – to coordinate and record all the work done on the Park’s paths so that we can respond if we receive a complaint. Footpath work
The Access Team, with the I’m confident that assistance of the two estate we can continue to teams and local wardens, is build on our longalso responsible for work on standing good working Snowdon’s footpaths. Around relationships with half a million people walked these other organisations footpaths last year, which means and agencies in order a million feet going in the same For more information about the Warden Service, contact: to continue delivering, direction! The effect of so much Mair Huws, Warden and Access Service Manager, managing and walking on mountainous footpaths Swyddfa’r Parc, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL48 6LF developing access and can be horrendous, which is why we Phone: 01766 770274 Email: parc@eryri-npa.gov.uk leisure opportunities. have two teams of estate workers For more information about access, Lon Gwyrfai or to The enormous amount doing their utmost to maintain complain about an access problem see: of work which is achieved them throughout the season. www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting annually in partnership The practicalities of maintaining with Snowdonia Society the footpaths on Wales’ highest volunteers is an excellent mountain are difficult enough, example of the way without considering the numbers of people who walk on them. In a good year, we only have six forward. months to work on Snowdon, which means that we are currently organising the work for April 2015 onwards - and there are no We will seek opportunities to do more work with volunteers – not in order to get rid of paid jobs as some imagine, but to enhance easy answers! what we can achieve with the Service’s staff. Safe Mountaineering Above all, what I would like to ensure is that the role and value A further key project within the Warden of the Warden and Access Service continues to be an integral Service is the Mountainsafe Partnership. The aim of the part of what Snowdonia National Park Authority provides for its Partnership is to promote six basic safety messages to less residents, and that the Service continues to be a service which experienced mountain users. We encourage people to think makes a difference at grassroots level. 13