SNOWDONIA SOCIETY

The Snowdonia Society is a members-based charity working to ensure that the beauty and diversity of the National Park’s landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage remain for present and future generations to enjoy.

To join the society click the link below:
http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk/index2.php?id=3
Peak Outdoor Training has now a established a link with the Snowdonia Society to promote its good work and offers a 10% discount on navigation courses to Snowdonia Society members.
The Snowdonia Society website has excellent resources on Snowdonia National Park and aims to raise awareness about the unique environment and wildlife in this special corner of Wales. Visit their website at
http://www.snowdonia-society.org.uk

THE 14 3000 ft mountains of North Wales

The summits of all the three thousand foot mountains of Wales can be visited in a single magnificent journey. It’s around 24 miles from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to Foel Fras and it’s certainly not a mountain journey to be under-estimated.
Succesful completions of the traverse may be entered in the Snowdonia Society’s public database. In keeping with the ethics of mountaineering, the system works on the personal honour of the person making the claim.
Some will opt to take a few days, possibly using facilities en route such as the YHA at Ogwen Cottage. Zero impact wild camping is also possible although we must point out that landowner permission is required. Given the quality of the scenery some may want to make a two or three day expedition over the roof of Wales.

Fit and experienced mountain walkers can achieve the full traverse in a tough but memorable and rewarding day. Such a day is perhaps best done in the company of a friend or at the most a small group. It is possible to make a solo traverse, although it is important to have a good deal of experience in the mountains. The nature of the traverse and the ground covered means that this is not suited for mass participation mountain events or fund-raising challenges by inexperienced hillwalkers.
Most traverses are made northwards from Yr Wyddfa to Foel Fras. Many will opt to make a very early start from Pen Y Pass with an ascent of the Miners’ track (pictured) or PYG track, but there are few rules! To make an entry in the database we simply ask that you have visited all 14 peaks in a single journey. Choose your own route, pace, companions and starting and stopping points.

The Society will issue a certificate to any person with a valid entry in the database. Members are entitled to the certificate at no charge, while certificates cost £10 for non-members to cover the cost of printing, packing and postage.

Peak Outdoor Training Can provide training with qualified mountain leaders, GPS training and mountain guides for all those wanting to ensure success.

The Conservation Snowdonia Project

The Society runs a regular programme of conservation tasks throughout the year to help maintain and enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of Snowdonia. Led by Bea Kelsall, the Society’s Volunteer Co-ordinator, groups meet all over the Park and carry out a variety of activities.

Workdays are organised both during the week and at weekends and range from just half a day to a weekend of work. We work in partnership with other organisations such as The Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Countyside Council for Wales, The National Trust, the Forestry Commission and a host of others. If you want to gain experience or make a career of countryside management you will get to meet and work with countryside professionals.

Volunteering work is very varied and can involve upland footpath maintenance and construction, clearance of invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam or wildlife surveys.
We also clear fly tipping and litter in the Park as part of ‘Operation Clear Up’. Maybe you want to do something creative instead? We also offer opportunities for wildlife gardening in our substantial garden as well as tree planting and habitat creation.

You do not need any previous experience as full training is given and volunteering is open to all. Many of our volunteers are already Society members although this is not a requirement. A reasonable level of fitness and ability is required for some of our tasks, as is a love of being outdoors (in all weathers!!).

The Conservation Snowdonia Project is supported and sponsored by CAE, a sustainable development fund, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside council for Wales.

If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference, then please email volunteer@snowdonia-society.org.uk