Wild Horizons Podcast: The Carneddau
Nature photographer and explorer John Beatty talks about the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia, and why he goes there in search of connection and space.
Nature photographer and explorer John Beatty talks about the Carneddau mountains in Snowdonia, and why he goes there in search of connection and space.
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Area Meetings are run by volunteers and provide an opportunity for you to discuss issues and influence decisions affecting climbers and walkers locally and nationally, and to meet like-minded people and enjoy a sociable night out (or 'in' on Zoom). Area Meetings also provide the platform for election to a range of volunteer roles within the BMC.
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The Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Big Clean Up event marks an unprecedented effort to begin to rid the mountain of decades-old litter, including a misplaced Santa hat! Over two days, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st September, dedicated volunteers and specialists undertook a challenging mission to clean one of Wales’ most iconic natural landmarks.
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The next BMC Cymru North Wales Area Meeting will take place on Wednesday 23rd October in person, at the Beacon Climbing Centre, Caernarfon (LL55 2BD). The meeting will start at 7.30pm.
Hill Walking Articles
This Welsh 3,000s challenge is one of the best and most testing runs in Eryri (Snowdonia). It takes in all of the region's 3,000ft+ peaks, starting with Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and ending on Foel Fras in the Carneddau. Technical and rocky in places, boggy in others; it's a tricky and technical undertaking requiring good navigation skills, and completing it successfully is not a foregone conclusion for even expert runners. Below, Welsh 3,000s veteran Sarah Stirling walks (or runs) us through the ups and downs of taking on this epic feat, with top tips and insight from a panel of folk who have also risen to the challenge.
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Mend Our Mountains Articles
In the last three years Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Authority have been very active in working on a number of lower level bridleways around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and more recently started work on the bridleway connecting Capel Curig to Crafnant. While some of these trails have given opportunities to link communities and provide access to lesser-abled users, the scale and nature of the works on some of the routes that pass through some wild and remote areas has also surprised many users.
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Only 20% of Wales is considered open access land. The BMC has been campaigning for increased access to nature in Wales for many years and is now calling for new legislation – a Right to Roam Bill.
The Cwm Idwal Winter Monitoring system is now back live and with new equipment and software. Ready for you to head up the hills in the best wintery conditions.
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Eifionydd is an area in North-West Wales stretching from the East of the Llŷn Peninsula all the way to Porthmadog (and maybe a smidge beyond, depends who you ask). The Afon Erch forms its Western border. Moel Hebog, Moel y Gest, Moel Lefn, and Moel yr Ogof, are just a few of the exceptional peaks that are well worth a visit here.
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Moorland magic. Bog lover Chris Dean shares his love of the wild wide open above the Calderdale Valley. He turns his gaze upwards to the skies and down to under your feet. He looks back to prehistory and forward to our planetary future.
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Come for a hike and an adventure around the Coniston Fells in the Lake District in the company of local guide, Vicki McCreadie. Vicki opens our eyes to the joy and majesty of these hills and takes us on a few of her favourite walks.
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It’s the third highest peak in the Lake District, but it has a special appeal that makes it England’s most-loved mountain. But it is a place of big weather. Every day in the winter months, the Lake District National Park sends its fell top assessment team to the summit to compile weather data to improve the safety and enjoyment of park visitors. Niall Grimes sits down with one of this team, Zac Poulton, and asks him, What’s it like today?
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The Kinder Plateau may sit on the doorstep of Manchester and Sheffield, but step onto it and you can find yourself experiencing a true wilderness in winter, a desert in summer and a soul-lifting day out at any time of the year. Peter Judd takes us there.
Hillwalking Destinations
For many mountaineers and non-mountaineers alike, the lofty pyramid of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) exerts a strong romantic attraction. The highest peak in Wales and England. Every year many thousands of visitors make their way to the summit. For some it could be their first 3,000 foot mountain. Snowdonia based guide Kate Worthington gives us the benefit of her great experience and talks to host, Niall Grimes, about the many ways up the mountain, what to look out for and much more knowledge along the way. If you are thinking about a visit, this podcast is essential listening.
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Based in the North York Moors, Rob Mitchell is a mountain leader for Outdoor Lads, a UK-wide community who run a range of sociable outdoor activities for gay, bi and trans guys. In this episode, Rob, a gay man, talks about discrimination linked to homophobia. He also talks about the importance of a supportive community to help individuals deal with stress and life challenges.
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An outdoor youth and community worker based in Greater Manchester, Rehna discovered a passion for outdoor activities in her teens through the Lindley Educational Trust. She now helps other young people find their own passion for the ‘great outdoors’ as the leader of the Ashton Youth Club.
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Cherelle is the founder of Steppers UK, a community group based in the Midlands, focused on encouraging more people from under-represented backgrounds into outdoor activities including walking. She says that they’re all about #GoodViewsGoodVibes.
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Mountaineering Articles
Legendary adventure climber Leo Houlding and adaptive adventurer Ed Jackson – both Berghaus ambassadors – are unlikely mountaineering partners. They first met after Ed, a former professional rugby player who broke his neck diving into a swimming pool, said he wanted to climb Mont Blanc. We talk to them both about wild places and wild people, rebuilding your life after spinal cord injury and why new friends and big mountains are a recipe for growth
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Following a petition that received over 5000 signatures, the National Park in Eryri was spurred to take action to use the Welsh names of Eryri (Snowdonia) and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as the primary names in both English and Welsh context.
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The North Wales White guide is a free guide to inform and educate winter climbers in Snowdonia on how best to enjoy the area, while minimising damage to protected habitats and fragile environments.
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