The members of the Pinnacle Club would like to express their grave concern regarding some of the suggestions outlined in the Green Key Scheme for Northern Snowdonia.

Members of the Club have been climbing in Snowdonia for 80 years, and we own a property in the Gwynant valley.

We are opposed to any restrictions on parking within the area. Whilst in no way opposed to the development of an increased bus service, we feel that buses are not suitable forms of transport to carry climbers to and from the mountains and crags.

Climbers and walkers need to be able to make instant changes to their plans, often due to the capricious nature of the weather or the condition of the crags at a particular time. This can only be achieved by having cars parked at a reasonable distance from their venue. Often at the end of the day climbers and walkers arrive back at the road side damp, cold or even soaked. Waiting for a bus in these conditions is undesirable at best, and at worst can be injurious to health.

It is essential that car parking in lay byes, and on roadside is allowed to continue, or be improved by the creation of small, discreet, landscaped car parks.

The National Park was created for and is paid for by people such as ourselves, for recreation and enjoyment. Any plans to curb parking will result in restricting access to the crags and mountains, and this is, in fact, in direct opposition to Government policy concerning rights of access.

Members of our Club visit the local shops, cafes and bars, so helping the fragile economy of Snowdonia. I am sure the business people of the area would suffer greatly by the cessation of visits by climbers and walkers to the area.

Bearing these points in mind we ask that the Green Key Initiative Consortium reconsider the question of restricted parking. 

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