Bala goes stile free
Using the footpaths in the community of Y Bala will now be easier for everyone, following recent improvements by Gwynedd Council’s Rights of Way Unit.
The last wooden stiles have now been replaced by self-closing gates, on the popular Craig y Fron footpath that leads to the caves, and extra way-marking has also been added.
Stiles can be an obstacle for some people, can get slippery when wet, and will rot in time. Working closely with the Snowdonia National Park Wardens, based at Llyn Tegid, the Rights of Way Unit developed the scheme using a grant from the Welsh Government, as part of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. This grant is administered by Natural Resources Wales and is used to improve the footpath network, paying particular attention to making access easier for all.
The work was done with the agreement of several landowners. Landowners are responsible for keeping their stiles and gates on footpaths in good order, but the Council may arrange improvement works.
Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for public footpaths said:
“These improvements will help improve access for members of the public so that they can keep fit and enjoy the area’s footpaths.
“Officers from Gwynedd Council’s rights of way team have worked closely with the local member together with landowners, the Park’s Wardens and the contractor to deliver this important project.
“We hope that local residents along with visitors to the area will make the most of the footpath and make the most of the Penllyn area’s wonderful countryside. We want people to enjoy the countryside responsibly and ask that you keep your dog on a lead, don’t leave litter behind, and close gates after you.”
For more information, please contact Gwynedd Council’s Rights of Way Unit on 01341 424492 or contact the Llyn Tegid wardens on 01678 520626 for information about walks in the Bala area.
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