A newly installed rope handrail in the rugged peaks of northern Eryri (Snowdonia) is stirring quite the debate among hikers and locals! Spotted on a steep path near Llyn Dulyn by Hilary Pullen, a committed trekker, it sparked a flurry of online reactions. Critics have slammed it as “health and safety gone mad” and deemed it “vandalism of the natural environment.” Many are firing back, questioning if this marks the start of more unnecessary changes to the wilderness we cherish.
However, there’s more to the story! It turns out the handrail serves a crucial purpose. Llyn Dulyn is part of an intricate hydroelectric scheme managed by RWE, which relies on this path for access to the Dulyn power station. RWE’s lead civil engineer, Rhodri Jones, explains that the handrail ensures safe work conditions for staff tasked with year-round maintenance, especially during harsh winter months. Safety first, right?
What’s your take? Is the handrail an essential safety measure or an eyesore on the landscape? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.