As the busy summer season begins, Cyngor Gwynedd and its partners are encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead and play their part in helping everyone enjoy the county safely and responsibly.
Gwynedd attracts thousands of people every year to enjoy its beaches, mountains, walking trails and unique attractions. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, the Council will continue to work closely with partners including North Wales Police and Eryri National Park to promote responsible behaviour and protect local communities and the natural environment.
The message for anyone visiting Gwynedd this summer is simple - plan ahead, travel responsibly and respect the area and its people.
Important messages for visitors:
- Plan your visit in advance - organise your activities before travelling, and make sure you check weather forecasts, tide times where relevant, and any latest information about the places you intend to visit.
- Check routes before setting out - the condition of some routes may change due to weather or maintenance work. Before heading out, look for any diversions or restrictions and plan your journey carefully. Consider making use of the Recreational Routes network - a great resource suitable for all weather conditions.
- Park responsibly - use official car parks wherever possible – if there is no room, use another car park. Irresponsibly parked vehicles can block roads and create problems for emergency services and other road users. Details of Cyngor Gwynedd car parks are available at: Parking and permits
- Use suitable motorhome sites - designated Arosfan sites are available for overnight motorhome stays as well as official campsites. More information can be found at: Motorhomes / Arosfan
- Consider using public transport - local bus services can help reduce traffic congestion and ease pressure on popular communities. Service timetables, including the Sherpa’r Wyddfa service, are available at: Bus timetables
- Respect local communities and the environment - follow local signs and regulations, do not leave litter behind, and use public bins where available - or take your litter home. Dog owners should ensure they pick up and dispose of their pets’ waste appropriately.
By planning ahead and showing consideration for others, everyone can help ensure that Gwynedd remains a welcoming and safe place to enjoy throughout the summer.
Councillor R. Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said:
Summer is a time to enjoy everything that Gwynedd has to offer, whether that is on our beaches, within our communities or through outdoor activities. As we do so, it is important that we all take simple steps to keep ourselves, our families and others safe.
By planning ahead, following safety advice, being aware of potential risks and respecting our communities and special qualities, we can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone.
We encourage residents and visitors alike to take personal responsibility and help make Gwynedd a safe place to enjoy throughout the summer months.”
Further useful information on advance planning can be found on the Visit Eryri website: www.ymweldageryri.info/cy/cynllunio-eich-ymweliad and the Eryri National Park website: www.snowdonia.gov.wales/visit/plan-your-visit/
Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet member for Environment said:
With increasing numbers of people visiting popular places here in Gwynedd, it is important that visitors to these areas behave respectfully and plan their visits in advance.
We have a public transport network in place, which includes the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus - linking the popular paths to Yr Wyddfa with the nearby towns and villages - and a bus between Llanberis and Pen-y-Pass which runs every half hour. Details of all public bus services in Gwynedd can be found on the website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/transport together with details of all car parks www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/parking.
I also urge anyone who is planning to walk our public paths, including the Wales Coast Path, to check the latest information before heading off. The bad weather over the winter has affected the condition of many paths, meaning that some have had to be closed or diverted temporarily.
Please bear in mind that it is crucial that our roads are kept clear to allow access for the emergency services and to ensure the safe flow of traffic. We ask motorists to park sensibly, respect the parking restrictions and keep the roads unobstructed. As a Council, we continue to work closely with North Wales Police and Eryri National Park to monitor parking trends and keep the public safe on the roads.”
Jonathan Cawley, Chief Executive of Eryri National Park Authority, said:
Eryri is a landscape worth protecting and a place that offers unforgettable experiences to millions of people every year. We encourage everyone visiting the National Park this summer to plan ahead, make responsible decisions and show respect for nature and our local communities.
During the summer months, some of our most popular destinations can reach capacity early in the day. If a car park is full, please do not park on roadside verges or in locations that block access for residents, farmers or the emergency services. Instead, use an alternative car park and public transport or consider visiting a different location. Eryri has so much to offer, and often its quieter places are just as special.
We also encourage visitors to have a back-up plan. The weather can change quickly, paths may be temporarily closed, or popular locations may already be full. Being flexible and prepared to change your plans will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Superintendent Arwel Hughes said:
As we look forward to another busy summer across Gwynedd, we're encouraging both residents and visitors to make safety a priority whenever they're enjoying the outdoors.
Recent wildfires and water-related incidents are a reminder of how quickly situations can develop and the impact they can have on individuals, families, local communities and the emergency services. While we want everyone to enjoy everything Gwynedd has to offer, we also want people to take a moment to think about how they can reduce the risks.
Whether you're walking in the mountains, spending time on the coast, or visiting lakes and rivers, conditions can change quickly. Take time to plan ahead, check the weather and tide information, make sure you have the right equipment, and be realistic about your experience and abilities. Around water, be aware of the risks posed by strong currents and cold water shock and always keep a close eye on children. During periods of warm, dry weather, take extra care to avoid anything that could start a fire and follow any local advice or restrictions.
Everyone has a personal responsibility to make sensible decisions and look after themselves and those around them. By taking a few simple precautions, we can all help prevent avoidable incidents and ensure everyone can enjoy Gwynedd safely throughout the summer."