Park authority stands back from summit queue dispute
Eryri National Park Authority has said it has no plans to intervene in a dispute over hikers queueing at the top of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon. Videos circulating on social media have sparked debate over people refusing to wait in line to reach the trig point at the summit, with some reportedly skipping the queue to touch the metal plate marking the end of the challenge.
A spokesman for the authority confirmed its approach continues to be one of "self-policing" at the peak, adding that "there are three quarters of a million people summitting annually, so queues are likely to be expected in peak times." He noted there were no proposals for fresh initiatives this year, though the issue would be considered at an end-of-visitor-season meeting in early autumn.
The queues are thought to have worsened as recent warm weather has drawn more visitors to the national park throughout the summer. The summit, standing at 1,085 metres above sea level, is a favoured spot for ramblers, with the national park welcoming almost four million visitors annually. The park has also issued appeals this summer encouraging guests to keep paths tidy and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Visitor perspective
One visitor who chose not to wait, a 27-year-old from Manchester who made a five-hour journey up the mountain, told the Liverpool Echo he decided he could not wait any longer to reach the top. "I don't think you should be queuing up in nature on a mountain; it's the same as queuing up at a bar," said Marc. He added: "People naturally see a queue so they decide to join it – it's a very British thing, isn't it. I just wanted to touch the top quickly and get back down. I haven't endangered anyone or 'shoved or barged' past anyone; I did wait until it was clear to head up and touch the top."
Celebrity ascent adds context
Among the thousands who visited the mountain this summer was the Princess of Wales. Kate took on the Three Peaks challenge in June, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa – within 24 hours. According to the Liverpool Echo, she took on the challenge to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and "explore life beyond diagnosis," and was welcomed at the finish by the Prince of Wales, their children, her parents, and her brother.