Feature: Llanberis, “One Big Vision”
10/03/2003

The aim of this document is to lay the foundations for rejuvenation of the Llanberis valley into a high quality, world-class outdoor adventure destination. The concept has grown and matured over recent years, with numerous interested parties from the outdoor sector feeding ideas and constructive criticism into the melting pot. It is the sum of these ideas, refined in discussions and debate that is presented here. It is important to stress that this would not be a project that relies on one single-use facility, but rather the amalgamation of a number of projects both complementary and sympathetic to each other, yet with no anticipated degradation to the precious mountain environment. The Vision To create an integrated activity venue of high quality and national importance, drawing on the historical activities of the area both industrial and recreational. To create a benchmark by which all activity tourism destinations will be judged in the future. The Venue Whilst there are many peripheral projects within the valley, the main focus of development would be in and around the Dinorwig quarry and the Glyn Rhonwy quarry. The first site is owned by Edisson Mission, the second by Gwynedd County Council. The activities under the next heading with a * after them already have some form of agreement at least in outline for their development. Overview A broad mix of traditional and modern activity facilities is proposed, making use of the unused and abandoned quarries, and thus crucially having a low impact on the local environment. Much of the development would quite literally, “disappear into the ground” and most of the parking facilities for these projects already exists. Buildings could be constructed within the quarry sites and would be of slate, transport could be shuttle bus (at peak times) creating jobs and keeping roads clear. The Activities The development in its entirety would include facilities relating to the following activities - Mountain Biking, International Downhill Event course* - Mountain Biking, recreational circuits* - Paragliding and Hang Gliding take off and landing facilities* - Bike park, jumps, half pipes etc - Rock Climbing - Canoeing - Standing Wave for canoe surfing - Walking, archaeological and historical - Cycling - Access and events for people with disabilities - Camping - Ropes course - Via Ferrata - Bouldering - Orienteering - Activity Tourist Information Centre - Climbing Museum One by One - Mountain Biking, International Downhill Event course* Llanberis has, in the shape of Dinorwig Quarry the ideal venue for the fast growing sports of downhill and dual slalom. The height difference between the top of the quarry and the village is over 2000ft and most of the route down already exists. This is potentially an international competition downhill course in waiting. There are many places that the route(s) could finish, near Blue Peris outdoor centre, the Slate Museum at Glan y Bala, behind the hydroelectric centre in an area known as Easter Island or even on the outskirts of Nant Peris. The latter option may be preferable in terms of spreading the benefit to outlying villages. The well-known Coed y Brenin routes attract just over 100,000 visitors per year generating £5 million in revenue for the area within 15 miles of the venue. Many of these visitors stay to use the Gwydyr Forest routes and would easily be persuaded to come to Llanberis to avail themselves of such a facility. Potential businesses growing from this are, bike supplies, hire and repair, shuttle transport to the top of the route, food and accommodation, national and international competitions/events. - Mountain Biking, recreational circuits The less steep quarries in the Clegir/ Glyn Rhonwy area behind Llanberis (GCC ownership) have long been eyed to provide recreational MTB circuits just a stone’s throw from the amenities and shops in the village. It would be possible to develop a unique venue in the heart of the quarries using the tunnels and industrial remains to their best advantage. The continued development of MTB routes in Wales has meant that the USA based International Mountain Biking Association recently ranked Wales as the Global Winner in their Winter 2002 Trail News Report, praising the high standard of trail building at the Coed Y Brenin site, which was singled out as the best in the UK. This development will assist in developing Wales as the market leader for mountain biking, worldwide. An initial site evaluation for both venues was carried out over the weekend of the 15/16 Feb 2002, see appendix 1. This particular venue is partly covered by the proposed Snow Dome development. Potential businesses growing from this are, bike supplies, hire and repair, food and accommodation - Paragliding and Hang Gliding* Air Sports are an undervalued part of our adventure sports mix and potentially one of the larger growth areas. For those who understand the mechanics of Paragliding/Hang Gliding it is obvious that we have huge potential on our doorstep. The ideal flying site is one that has vehicular access, with a steep mountainside, rocks to generate thermals and several thousand feet to the valley floor. In Llanberis we have not one but two such sites in the shape of Elidir Fach and Snowdon. In mainland Europe communities have successfully lobbied for roads to be built to much less favourable sites with the sole intention of attacting flying tourists. The local flying club Snowdonia Sky Sports (SSS) has an agreement for vehicular access to the Edisson Mission owned roads on Elidir Fach, see appendix 2. This would have been in operation by now were it not for the objection of the graziers and this is one area that needs a creative solution. By building take off ramps on Elidir Fach and Snowdon along with landing sites in Llanberis and other villages (Waunfawr, Rhyd Ddu) we could create a popular resource. Hangers on the sides of trains (to carry gliders) and access to the Marchlyn roads would make this possible. It is well known in other countries that the fliers are an attraction in them selves, in essence a free show for other tourists. Just as people stop to watch climbers in the Llanberis Pass, Paragliders landing on the football field in Llanberis are a great spectacle for passing tourists. Potential businesses growing from this are, shuttle transport to the summit of Elidir Fawr (along with the MTBers), tandem flights, instruction, sales and repair, food and accommodation and national competitions. - BMX / MTB park Coupled to the other cycling projects would be a bike park consisting of half pipes, jumps, obstacle courses, a dual slalom etc. This would be attached to facilities such as parking, shops etc and would ideally be built with events in mind so that competitions could be hosted alongside other MTB events to give more depth. Potential businesses growing from this are, bike supplies, hire and repair, food and accommodation, national competitions. - Rock Climbing The towering Dinorwig Quarries have been a unique climbing environment for some 20 - 30 years with a number of world-renowned routes such as “The Quarryman” once the world’s hardest route and “Comes the Dervish” which started the whole slate climbing movement. Unfortunately this venue is now out of fashion, largely due to the poor and aging bolts used to protect the routes. The sympathetic replacement of these bolts and belays (on key outcrops) with modern hardware would encourage today’s climbing wall generation back to the area. In many French villages this work is undertaken by the community in order to bring in climbing tourism. Most notable is Orpiere, which has gone from an unknown backwater to international venue by this process. Signposting the access points and footpath creation would also aid this recovery. Potential businesses growing from this are, climbing supplies, instruction, food and accommodation. - Canoeing Afon Seiont should be made available to canoeists, even if only on a seasonal (or out of season) basis. The trip down river from Llanberis to Caernarfon would draw in canoeists from all over the country during the winter months when there is more water in the rivers and fishing does not take place. Out of season tourists are vital to maintaining or lengthening our visitor season. The access/ fishing situation is another that requires a creative solution. Launch facilities at the north end of Llyn Padarn (presently “No Canoeing” would also allow a pleasant trip (with the sea breeze) up the lake for beginners. Potential businesses growing from this are, canoeing supplies, instruction, food and accommodation. - Standing Wave The Stanley Embankment at Holyhead is host to a unique (and accidental!) facility. Due to the restricted water flow from one side of the embankment to the other at certain tide states a “standing wave” develops which is surfed regularly by canoeists. In fact they drive for miles to visit the site. Between the Padarn and Peris lakes there is the potential to develop a similar wave in a more managed fashion due to the tidal effect of the hydroelectric scheme. The technology to build artificial waves is now well understood to the point of mobile surf waves being set up at indoor venues for a few days at a time. Canolfan Tryweryn has many man made waves on its managed river and attracts upwards of 80,000 canoeists and rafters per year. Obviously this may not be of the same scale but would complement and add to the mix of activities should the vision be fully realised. Potential businesses growing from this are, canoeing supplies, instruction, food and accommodation. - Walking, archaeological and historical The quarries contain a vast amount of industrial archaeology and history of great value. A number of circular walks could be developed within the area to take advantage of this. Some of the views to be had from the site are matchless and could be easily accessed given some restorative work. One way, down hill walks could also be created to accommodate the less adventurous. Potential businesses growing from this are, guided walks, transport, food and accommodation. Additionally the restoration of the stairways and paths to create these walks would require investment in a number of traditional crafts. - Cycling The much talked about walk/cycle around the shores of Llyn Padarn is long overdue as this would give visitors a pleasant half day walk starting and finishing with the amenities on offer in the village, the ideal situation. It would also cater for the less mobile or adventurous as well as families. Similarly a footway/cycleway from Pen y Pass to Nant Peris and Llanberis is desperately needed. This could be linked into the new cycle ways from Caernarfon to Bangor, Bethesda and Nant Ffrancon to give a circular ride through the high mountains in relative safety. Currently there is a serious road safety issue with walkers descending the road at the end of the day. Again this development would complement the others and add to the variety in terms of the level of activity and fitness required, ideal for families. It is also one of the recommendations made by the Green key initiative. Potential businesses growing from this are equipment hire and sales, food and accommodation. - Access and events for people with disabilities At first glance the terrain around Llanberis would seem completely inappropriate for visitors with physical disabilities and presently in many ways it is. However with a little imagination and the construction of some smooth pathways, cycle ways, launches and access points it would be possible to create a more inclusive environment. There are many adventurous people with disablities who climb, sail, cycle, paraglide and walk up mountains etc and we would have an opportunity to make these facilities available to them by adopting a more thoughtful approach. Potential businesses growing from this are specialist activity providers, dedicated events equipment hire and sales, food and accommodation. - Camping Llanberis is crying out for a modern well-equipped campsite within walking distance of the village amenities. Many people are unsatisfied with sleeping in an open field with no showers and an antiquated toilet at the bottom of the field. The community run “camping municipal” sites found all over France provide an excellent model. Reasonably priced, friendly and well run with clean toilets and showers they are often next to public buildings (such as schools) so that the amenities can be used when the schools are closed for the summer. Ideally a site in Llanberis should be run by and for the community with the benefits ploughed back, perfect venues would be Coed Victoria and Glyn Rhonwy where individual plots could be created between the trees and boulders. The Glyn Rhonwy site while ideally situated is presently designated for Industrial use and would require a change of use application. There may be plans to site a new warehouse for Euro DPC on the proposed site, at an alleged 15m high this is hardly the best way of welcoming visitors to the village. This site would also be an ideal venue for a Beaureau des Guides or Adventure TIC, it could be set up so the campsite and TIC were part of each other in order to make the staffing easier etc. Were this to be set up by S-A it would be a potential income stream to assist in the long-term financial independence of the group. Potential businesses growing from this are campsite accommodation, food sales etc. - Ropes Course The Glyn Rhonwy site offers the opportunity to build a unique ropes course facility taking advantage of the atmosphere and shelter provided by the steep quarry walls. These courses have been a large growth area over the last 10 years with more and more groups indulging in the managed adventure to be had at such facilities. Built within the quarry it would be invisible to the outside world having no impact on the views of the mountains etc. It would add a different dimension to the mix of the area encouraging visitors to stay a little longer and providing a facility that could be used by families and corporate groups alike. Potential businesses growing from this are facility management, instruction, training, corporate events etc. - Via Ferrata These are assisted climbs with routes bolted to the sides of cliffs via ladders, walkways, bridges etc. They are a very popular resource in Alpine countries but there are none in the UK at present. Whilst the development of such facilities in traditional climbing areas would cause conflict with existing users, the unused and abandoned slate quarries are a suitable potential resource. If coupled with the ropes course this development could provide a unique attraction for Llanberis. There are other areas in Wales where suitable venues can be found (Coris near Machynlleth for example) and if the experiment were to prove successful then this and many other of the activities mentioned could be replicated in other area, creating a network of common facilities across Wales similar to the geographical spread of recognised mountain bike venues. Potential businesses growing from this are facility management, instruction, training etc. - Bouldering It would be possible to build artificial boulders to create a bouldering park alongside say the ropes course to create a multi function venue. Bouldering is another growth sport developing well in North Wales with a bilingual guide book in production, it could be set up for use by different groups and the “moves” changed periodically as at a climbing wall. Fontainbleau in France has a vast area of real boulders connected by marked circuits. We could do the same here, but with artificial boulders possibly built by local manufacturer Beacon Climbing Walls. Again this development would not necessarily be huge but would add to the overall mix and usability of the area. Potential businesses growing from this are facility management, instruction, competitions, equipment supplies, etc. - Orienteering It would be easy to create a number of static orienteering courses around the area suitable for all levels of expertise. Some courses could be linked to historical and geographical features etc to create educational trails. Others could be completed by foot or by bike to suit different groups. They could even be created to link venues for different activities in order to educate people into the activity options available. Potential businesses growing from this are instruction, competitions, map sales etc. - Activity Tourist Information Centre It has been suggested that an Activity Tourist Information Centre be created to give expert advice on activities, venues, weather, etc and to put customers in touch with suitable providers in the area. This would be manned by outdoor people, with the specialist knowledge to provide a quality service across the whole spectrum of outdoor activities. This would be a first of a kind venture certainly for Wales if not for the whole of the UK. A direct booking service could be developed with local activity businesses. - Climbing Museum Llanberis has always been a mecca for climbers, and Snowdonia as a whole has always played a crucial role in the development of the art of mountaineering. From the early Everest expedition training meets at Pen Y Gwryd, through the legacy of world famous climbers such as Joe Brown there is a rich and fascinating story to be told. A climbing museum would be a perfect compliment and continuation of the theme of celebrating mountaineering culture initiated by the Llanberis Mountain Film Festival in 2002. The Rheged museum in the Lake District is a good example of a similar tourist attraction that has proved to be very popular with visitors to the area (visit www.rheged.com for further details). - Facilities It should be fairly obvious from the above that there would be a density of activities/facilities built in the Glyn Rhonwy site and linked into the village of Llanberis. To make full use of these it is envisaged that a visitor centre of some kind be built to provide changing facilities, food, equipment hire, information etc. Ancillary Developments In order to cater for the increased footfall caused by these developments there would need to be a programme of refurbishment of a number of existing facilities and the development of some new ones, examples would be, - The production of higher quality local signage both informational and directional. - The refurbishment of picnic facilities at Llanberis and the development of new facilities at Pen Llyn (on the old road) and between the lakes below Castell Dolbadarn. - The development of short/medium length circular walks starting and ending in Llanberis, Deiniolen and Nant Peris etc. - The creation of a slipway and proper launching facilities at Y Glyn to encourage dinghy sailors, canoeists and windsurfers back to the lake. - The removal of the launching fees for canoing and boating on Llyn Padarn which actively discourages visitors to the lakeside with obvious effects on local tourist spend. - The development of luggage transfer facilities for those wishing to relocate around the area by foot or cycle. - The abseil facility in Vivian quarry would require the repairing of the retaining wall above as it is currently closed due to problems with that wall. This is almost the only good abseiling venue currently available in the valley and its loss is a blow to the activity mix currently available. - The development of other quarry based group abseil areas to share the load between venues. - The creation of a village warden post, with the aim of increasing the presentation and general upkeep of public areas in and around the village. There are presently issues relating to the upkeep of picnic areas, the state of bins and so on which need addressing in order that the visitor gets a more welcoming experience. In addition to this the creation of these facilities will act as a draw for other similar developments including the possibility of bringing new outdoor equipment manufacturers to the area with the associated employment. This should be actively sought after and encouraged via a proactive grant funding process. Contractual Ethos Snowdonia-Active would encourage wherever possible the use of local (Welsh) consultants and contractors as partners in this project. However there will be a number of areas where the relevant experience and knowledge is missing from the principality. In this case we would like to use the best available from any part of the globe to secure a quality product. However, in order that those skills can be imported into the area for use on future projects we would like to build the following clause into any externally sourced contracts. *) That a suitably qualified and experienced local person be seconded into that external contractor for the period of the contract in order to gain the necessary skills to be the primary contractor in any future projects. By doing this we would bring new skills to the area to create a more self-sufficient labour market as regards the technical aspects of a number of the projects. An example may be that while there are many rope access providers in Snowdonia it may be the case that none have experience of designing and building Via Ferrata. By working with a French or Italian specialist on the Llanberis project we could remove that issue for the future. Next Steps? Obviously a number of feasibility studies need to be carried out in order to gain a realistic idea of the costs involved in each project and the potential issues involved. These studies need funding. In addition to this a study into the potential benefits of the development would need to be undertaken in order to assist in the convincing/selling process. This would look at the direct benefits and indirect ones in terms of accommodation, food etc and the recycling of money in the area. There are also some planning issues and a couple of potential conflicts to work through. One advantage is that there are only a couple of landowners to deal with, Edisson Mission and Gwynedd CC. In addition to this a large area of parking has already been developed and access roads to the Elidir Fawr area are in position. The feasibility studies need to be stage managed and brought together as part of a grand plan while at the same time the first developments need to be pushed through on the back of the present interest in the activity tourism sector. The development would need to be staged with the momentum that the MTB downhill routes are gaining being used as a springboard for some of the other projects. The staging decisions are key to the logical development of the project in particular the creation of bricks and mortar facilities such as the campsite and potential café type developments. At some point it would be sensible to bring together a number of key parties (WDA, GCC, WTB, S-A, Padarn Forum etc) in order to thrash out the fine detail of the possibilities and highlight issues and problems though it may be best to get the grand plan and some of the feasibility studies in place before that so that the vision can be properly demonstrated and understood. Local clubs and interest groups could be used as resident experts/consultants to assist in the feasibility studies and to fully develop the ideas. Local providers should be used wherever possible but where the expertise is lacking (eg Via Ferratta) then the best possible advice should be sourced from around the globe. In addition to this such expertise should be contracted to teach local providers the necessary skills as part of the project, thereby importing a new skill-set into the area for use in future projects. There are a number of highly motivated people in the local area keen to move these projects forward and a number of the projects already have backing and tacit approval from local councillors and businesses. Aligned to all this is the potential to develop this project in as green a way as possible e.g. solar panels for power, recycling projects, shared transport etc. Many of the activities are also very green in the way they operate with low noise, little pollution etc. We believe that it is time to show that there are alternative potentials for the future of the Llanberis area. Developments that are in keeping with the scale of others in the area and better aligned to the present product mix. If Activity Tourism is one of the ways forward for the economy within Snowdonia, Eryri, then it is time to stop talking and start doing! Credits: The ideas outlined above have come from many conversations with many people, from formal meetings to over a pint in the pub. They have been gestating in many people’s minds for a number of years and are presented here on their behalf. The time is now right to present them to a wider audience now that the value of the outdoor sector is finally being realised. In no particular order: Alun Hughes, John Sylvester, Keith Robertson, Simon Panton, Chris Wright, Ted Sylvester, Mark Lynden, Phil Nelson, Pete Bursnall, Gill Lovick, Mandy Whitehead, Dave Bursnall, Gerry Lynch, John Gladston, David Gale, Paul Barbier, Ron Isles, Tudur Slaven, Ken Latham, Arran Cartwright, Pete Norton, Simon Blackburn, Pete Griffiths, Nick Cunliffe, John Redhead. Appendix 1: Llanberis Downhill Project site evaluation report Appendix 2: Access agreement between Edison Mission and Snowdonia Sky Sports The Agreement. 1. The agreement is to allow vehicular access along the Edison Mission owned roads to take offs in the Elidir Fach and Marchlyn Mawr areas. 2. This access is for the purposes of flying Paragliders and Hangliders and is granted to members of the Snowdonia Sky Sports Club (SSS) carrying British Hangliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) Third Party Liability Insurance. 3. There will be up to 20 key holders. 4. The scheme will be administered by the Sites Officer of SSS, however the day to day administration may be handed to a named committee member. Organisation. 1. Keys to the gate at gr 596 631 will be held by registered key holders who will be fully paid up and insured members of the SSS and the BHPA. 2. Key holders vehicles will be identified by a window sticker, that sticker will identify the key number and the person to which it is registered. 3. All key holders vehicle registrations will be recorded and copies sent to Edison Mission, it will be the duty of SSS to keep this list up to date. 4. Vehicles belonging to non key holding members of the SSS, will be identified by having an SSS sticker in the window. They will also be in the company of a key holder. 5. Parking will be in the designated areas and must not block access along the roads or to installations. Main parking areas: Cattle grid gr 600 623 for North Westerly take off. Cutting/small quarry gr 600 610 for Westerly take off. Cutting/small quarry gr 600 610 for Westerly take off. Last bend of road below east end of dam gr 616 624 for Northerly, Westerly and Easterly take offs. No parking at the end of the road at Marchlyn Reservoir gr 613 619 due to lack of area. Term: The scheme will run initially for a period of 12 months after which it will be reviewed and subject to approval will then run for a rolling period of 36 months. Edison Mission retains the right to call a meeting to discuss the scheme at any time. Signed on behalf of Edison Mission: David Frankland (Plant Director, Dinorwic Power Station) Signed on behalf of Snowdonia Sky Sports: Pete Bursnall (Sites Officer)

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