Readers say 'make walkers pay' as Eryri tourists stretch mountain rescue team to the limit
North Wales Live readers are concerned to hear that mountain rescue teams have expressed their concern over the influx of "tourism flooding into the area" and an increase in hikers on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), stating that it is stretching their resources during one of their busiest summers on record. Readers and residents have been sharing their thoughts in our comments section.
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team has issued a plea to hikers in Eryri (Snowdonia) to ensure they are adequately prepared for mountain walks, as they have had nearly 250 call-outs this summer alone, amid ongoing concerns about the volume of tourists visiting the area.
Last month, North Wales Live reported that social media may be contributing to the rise in call-outs. Chris Lloyd from the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation noted a significant increase this year, as people attempt to recreate the experiences they've seen in videos and photos on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Youtube.
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The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, a fully voluntary organisation, responds to those in need on Yr Wyddfa and the surrounding mountains. The team operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and relies solely on public donations to provide this vital life-saving rescue service.
Commenter Forestdragon says: “Society owes so much to volunteers and charitable organisations, RNLI and hospices spring to mind. Who would stranded walkers call on for help if search and rescue groups were not available? RAF Valley, maybe? A charge for recovery services raises so many contractual, availability and other legal problems that it's probably not viable. I can only hope that a generous donation is made.”
Jonesey1 agrees: “To Llanberis Search and Rescue and ALL other SAR organisations: the job you do is amazing and you are an incredible bunch of people. From the rescuers to the coordinators to the people raising money on the streets you all do an essential job and we’re so grateful to you for selflessly donating your free time and talents to rescuing people lost and in danger on the mountains. Your selflessness and integrity is a lesson that we should all learn from and try to emulate. Thank you all.”
Ddraiggoch says: “I was there last weekend to remember a relative who enjoyed scaling the mountain. The amount of people walking up in trainers and unsuitable footwear was appalling. No wonder the services are stretched.”
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Daffyddthomas thinks: “They need to make walkers pay for insurance before they go up and gate the mountain up, one way up and it needs to be controlled”
ThePickledLiver points out: “Mountain Rescue are free to say 'we're knackered, we're not coming out'. There's no statutory undertaking here.”
Jimcat agrees: “Mountain rescue volunteers go up and rescue these people so they can't complain - nobody makes them, just don't go! Simple, stay at home. What should be done is to charge for rescues, £200 per person and £100 for their dogs.”
Takeawalk replies: “They aren't complaining! What they are saying is that people should think before they go into the mountains, consider their food/drink requirements, equipment, the weather /ground conditions, what they would do if something goes wrong, and their experience before they go. The hills should be open to all, not just those who can pay if something goes wrong, which is also why MR England and Wales are against callout fees.”
Jimcat retorts: “The things you mention, food/drink/clothing/ground conditions/ weather, won't even be in the minds of most that go up a mountain. A selfie at the summit is way more important, that's why I say charge them.”
Captcheese scoffs: “These so-called experts telling you not to go uphill in trainers!” Jonesey1 replies: “I once on a sunny summer’s day made the mistake of walking up Snowdon in trainers on the Llanberis path. Going up was fine and so was coming down until about a mile from the end when the repetitive concussions of my toes in the toe caps caused me a pain which I can still remember now. And before you criticise, it was a one off mistake. I’ve walked and hill climbed all over Britain and Europe over many years but always in expensive fitted walking boots. EVERYONE makes mistakes.”
Rollonby thinks: “Bound to be the generation who have never hiked in their lives, they see a video on TikTok or YouTube and decide to go and are totally unprepared and freeze in fear at the scale of what they decided to do. Please stop doing this, educate yourselves, train and work up to something like that, always be fully prepared or you will fail and waste time and energy from volunteers to help.”
Jeff2509 jokes: “So 20 mph and tourist tax hasn’t destroyed the tourist industry! Well, well. Great work by the emergency services together with the teams that are run on charitable donations and volunteers.”
Statistix replies: “Tourist tax hasn't come in yet, and it won't affect the unprepared who are mostly day trippers.”
Porky 1911 suggests: “Simply make them pay a call out fee for the mountain rescue if the casualties are found to be ill prepared.”
What do you think the solution is for dealing with unprepared walkers? Should they be charged a rescue fee? Have your say in our comments section.