Beautiful Eryri valley turns ugly as visitors become 'hostile and aggressive'

Introduction

One of the most beautiful areas of Wales is being scarred by the behaviour of illegal campers, according to reports. Groups of visitors are lighting fires, damaging trees, and using Llyn Gwynant as a “toilet,” with the iconic lake and its surroundings becoming a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

The lakeside area, bordered by the A498 in the Nant Gwynant valley, has traditionally welcomed visitors for photos, picnics, or a swim. But an emerging trend for large encampments, populated by “hostile” overnighters, has left campsite staff feeling intimidated and unnerved.

The Situation at Llyn Gwynant

Llyn Gwynant, one of the most photographed lakes in Eryri, is bordered by three small laybys and mini “beaches” along the A498, which are increasingly being used as illicit campsites. The area is owned by Llyn Gwynant Campsite, which has now taken the step of going public with its concerns in the hope of raising awareness of an issue it says is increasingly affecting Eryri campsites and farms.

Jamie Rhinds, a site manager, said: “Our staff are feeling increasingly alone when dealing with aggressive and potentially dangerous situations simply because they are trying to protect the area. As a site that cares deeply about the surrounding landscape and the protection of this special part of Eryri, it is becoming an increasingly depressing situation.

“It raises wider questions about the increasing pressure being placed on popular areas of Eryri, and how beautiful and environmentally sensitive places such as Nant Gwynant should be protected for everyone to enjoy.”

In recent weeks, police have been called twice, but no action has been taken, as illegal encampments are regarded as trespass, a civil matter. The campsite has now gone public in a bid to raise awareness of an issue it says is increasingly affecting Eryri campsides and farms.

Causes and Context

The surge in popularity of Nant Gwynant and Yr Wyddfa’s Watkin Path following the Covid pandemic posed challenges for the Eryri National Park Authority, which promoted them for sustainable tourism. This year’s long, hot summer has seen a further increase in anti-social behaviour, with one manager saying it has “rocketed.”

Campsite patrols walk the lakeside, but illegal campers often refuse to cooperate, and some become hostile, according to reports by the Daily Post and Manchester Evening News. Fires and BBQs are increasingly being lit along the A498 shoreline despite signs warning against overnight camping or fires, prompting a government crackdown on disposable BBQs.

Environmental Impact and Litter

Littering at the shoreline is a serious problem, with items including used toilet tissue, food waste, bottles, chairs, boxes, and even at the top of one tent. Staff have spent 90 minutes clearing laybys, describing the scene as “gruesome” (used toilet tissue). One campsite worker said they found used toilet tissue, food waste, bottles, chairs, boxes, and a child’s nappy, and that it was getting worse each day during the season.

Beyond the unattractive state, there are traffic dangers from vehicles parking half on the road and half on narrow verges near blind bends, risking accidents. The area is also environmentally sensitive: Nant Gwynant is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of an ancient temperate rainforest, with thousands of trees planted on the campsite’s farm, adding to the concern about damage.

The Response and Future Outlook

After post-pandemic tourism surges in Nant Gwynant, a multi-agency partnership was launched, prompted by local councillor June Jones. The partnership involves the National Park, North Wales Police, the National Trust, Cyngor Gwynedd, and Natural Resources Wales, aiming to manage the pressures on the beauty spot.

On July 27, three new Traffic Regulation Orders took effect on the A498, introducing parking bans in the Pont Bethania area, around 1km from Llyn Gwynant, for an 18-month pilot. These measures are part of a broader effort to protect the site, which the campsite says is under increasing threat.

Amid the disruption, Llyn Gwynant Campsite continues to offer its usual facilities, including an on-site food outlet, a campsite micro-brewery supplying its own taproom, and of course specially arranged wedding ceremonies on the slate of the surrounding hills.

As the summer season peaks, staff at Llyn Gwynant continue to manage the challenges and pressures, hoping for a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the landscape they say is being damaged.