Why are signposts being swiped from Snowdonia? Trustee says they have ‘no idea’ why waymarkers are being taken from hiking trail (but it’s unlikely to be vandals) – amid safety fears for people visiting the ‘indistinct and boggy’ moors
- Ramblers say there’s an increase in signage being damaged and disappearing
Mystery as signposts are swiped from Snowdonia and trail trustee says they have ‘no idea’ why they are being taken from the hiking spot, but say it’s unlikely to be vandals.
Four 6ft waymarkers were stolen from the 83-mile long Slate Trail last week. The area in North Wales has indistinct paths and boggy moors, which could be treacherous for walkers who rely on signposts.
Ramblers Cymru, who helped establish the trail in 2017, said the theft of signposts is a ‘common occurrence’ and due to the location of the posts – often involving a long and challenging walk – it’s likely they have been specifically targeted.
Angela Charlton, director of Ramblers Cymru said the loss of the signs could compromise the ‘safety and enjoyment’ of those venturing through the stunning landscape.
‘Our paths connect our communities and connect us to our heritage, and sadly, issues like this are representative of the wider challenges faced by our path network. We are seeing more and more signage being damaged and disappearing and routes becoming blocked and inaccessible across Wales,’ Ms Charlton added.
Ramblers Cymru, who helped establish the trail in 2017, said the theft of signposts is a ‘common occurrence’
Mystery as signposts are swiped from Snowdonia and trail trustees say they have ‘no idea’ why they are being taken
The thefts follow the installation of two new signposts which were replaced by volunteers just six weeks ago.
A spokesman for the Snowdonia National Park Authority said they are ‘deeply concerned’ about the thefts.
They added: ‘Waymarkers serve as essential guides for outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring they follow designated routes and minimising their impact on the delicate ecosystems and communities within our National Park.
‘We urge all visitors to Eryri to recognise the importance of waymarkers and collectively ensure that we leave no trace, respecting the natural beauty and cultural significance of this area for generations to come.’
Aled Owen, a Snowdonia Slate Trail (SST) trustee, told The Telegraph the thefts were a ‘nuisance’, a ‘pain in the neck, and ‘very frustrating’.
He added that due to the heavy weight of the posts a quad bike or similar would be needed to take them away once removed.
Mr Owen said the path has been popular with locals over the past seven years, and rejected the idea that the thefts might be linked to a possible opposition to tourism.
The loss of the signs could compromise the ‘safety and enjoyment’ of those venturing through the stunning landscape, Ramblers Cymru say
The thefts follow the installation of two new signposts which were replaced by volunteers just six weeks ago
Ramblers Cymru has launched a campaign calling for more investment in paths from the Welsh Government.
Gwynedd Council said: ‘There is no clear motive for the removal of the posts at this stage, and we will be liaising with all stakeholders in an attempt to resolve the matter.
‘It is extremely disappointing that these were removed particularly when Ramblers Members had given their time voluntarily to install them and improve the footpath.’
The council is expected to make local enquiries to get to the bottom of the disappearances.
The trail is protected by the SST, Gwynedd Council, Conwy Council, Snowdonia Society, National Trust, and Ramblers Cymru.
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