A couple of tourists have said that their trip to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in Wales hadn’t worked out, as they joined thousands of new people who have ventured to the country since the end of the pandemic.
In recent years the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, home to landmarks such as Pen Y Fan, has seen a sharp rise in visitor numbers thanks to social media.
In response, the local authority has issued warnings to potential newbies to the area to remain prepared and to be “adventure smart”.
However, not every tourist has left the famous natural landscape pleased with their visit. When interviewed by the BBC, two young visitors, who had come after seeing photos on Instagram, were less than impressed.
When asked by the broadcaster if their trip had “worked out” they responded with a single-word answer of “no”. On what could’ve been better, they said the weather was the biggest issue.
The second traveller added that they had been hoping for “some beautiful photos” but there had been “nothing from it”.
Social media and its potential reach have seen some natural landmarks have their profile boosted to audiences around the world, triggering an influx. However, authorities have said that whilst they’re glad about this, they would like people to be careful and prepared.
The parks’ sustainable development officer Helen Roderick explained: “It’s about balance, we want people to come and visit the national park but to think about when they come. And can they travel by bus? And can they make sure they benefit the local economy by using our shops, pubs and local restaurants?”
She added: “Brecon town has the facility to welcome more visitors, we have lots of independent shops, but we want visitors to catch the bus to places like Pen y Fan. For every visitor that goes by bus rather than car, it will reduce emissions which affects the flora and fauna and will reduce congestion in the towns.”
The national park featuring Pen Y Fan isn’t the only natural tourist hotspot in Wales that has been subject to warnings with Yr Wyddfa – also known as Snowdon – seeing a surge in popularity.
This popularity has not been without its consequences. The Express reported that chief among these was overcrowding in the car parks and on the mountain itself triggering a marmite response as people expressed their frustration at the queuing, but respected those climbers who waited their turn at the top.
On Snowdown, the VisitWales tourism website warned: “Please do not travel without checking availability, and do not park anywhere other than a designated car park. Parking in unauthorised locations causes strain on local services and infrastructure, and can damage natural habitats.
“There’s something wild about the Eryri (Snowdonia) landscape, with soaring, sharp and magnificent peaks rising up high above the deep valleys.”
