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Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

well, i took a friend up snowdon for the first time last month.. he enjoyed it over crib goch and garnedd ugain. but it went downhill from there..

personally i have two statements.

1. the snowdon range is magnificent, its just a shame there is so many people on it.

2. give the masses snowdon, at least i then get the arans, rhinogs, etc to myself.

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

cozy said:

Nice one terry

Taken up train spotting have we

I dont mind the cafe being there myself, as when i'm too old and knackered to walk up i can catch the train and admire the views and thinks of days gone by in the hills.
 

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Aye, there were a few train spotters about admittedly. I had to fight for space on some shots!

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

Nice vid Terry. Evocative and moody the backing track is spot on as well.

As for the new visitor centre:  It's a magnificent view from the summit and I'm glad it's now available to all who want to see it, The mountain railway and visitor center provide this.

The new centre is about as good as it can be given the contruction brief and will be enjoyed by millions.

So I'll say it's a welcome refurbishment. and for those wishing solitude Yr Wyddfa is available 24 x 7 giving ample scope for a bit of tranquility.

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

Aye, cheers.

I must admit upon reaching the summit and chilling out it was ok...but as the trains came and came (whence my emphasis on them in the video) the masses and masses was a little disconcerting....

But on reflection, it was OK.

I suppose barring the naff voice over on my part.......I wanted to convey in 5mins the atmosphere one can have on Snowdon and it doesnt have to entail any crowds.

Thats why the moody beginning....not another soul about there!

Then creeping in of the noise of the trains....well, it wasn't THAT bad but I emphasised for effect, really...to make a point.....

Then the hustle and bustle of the cafe, again....a moot point but also look inside......

Then to finish it off some of the scenery to be enjoyed up there. You don't see crowds in that, either....I didn't particularly have to wander off far. Not at all. I sat for quite a while in the sun in peace but 50 yards or so away...there were plenty of walkers marching on...I was happy in that respect.

In fact relaxing up there it did make one think about how a funny lot us outdoorsey types can be sometimes, including myself.

I don't agree in principle to the summit building or railway. But it does make for a great attraction and more so now. But its just one side of a great mountain whereby we all can get on and enjoy it.

So, I tried to end it on a kind of happy note in that respect.

Besides....that day I spotted a bothy at the foot of Snowdon.

Aint saying where it is. I went back to it the following day

Filmed that, too!

But I defo aint revealing its location. I just couldn't believe where it was and no bugger can really see it from all around!

I only noticed it by accident. The sun glistening off it's roof...at first I thought was just a large boulder but instinct told me otherwise.

Took me about an hour to find it, mind and was glad it was a bothy after all that time.

But, thats another video....

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

Dudie said:

 from most other angles it looks like the bastard offspring off a steak and kidney pudding and a multistorey car park (I know what I mean, OK).

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 psml

 

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

cozy said:

Dudie said:

 from most other angles it looks like the bastard offspring off a steak and kidney pudding and a multistorey car park (I know what I mean, OK).

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 psml

 

Your right its bloody ugly!. Who wants to climb such a glorious mountain and see that thing there? Dont we visit these places to escape it?
 

Re: Snowdon's new cafe - welcome addition or blot on the landscape?

I dont think the building looks that bad as some suggest.

And from what I've seen in pictures, it's a damn sight better to look at than the previous shelter.

As it is, it's less obtrusive from afar and with all the granite, will blend in very well with some weathering.

All said and done.....it'll be the crowds that detract to a degree.

And the trains but theres been a shelter there for a long time and it's part of not only the local economy but the heritage, too.

So, yes, it isn't ideal....but theres plenty of other places to wander to escape the crowds. Plenty. And still enjoy what Snowdon has to offer.

In that respect, it's one of those places where we all have to just get on from whichever walk of life etc.

I didnt mind the crowds too much in the end...but I'm a fair and easy chap...I can understand....

Just so long as this kind of thing doesnt catch on....which it won't then I'm cool.

Snowdonia "mountain-wise" is relatively small in area so you're bound to have some crowds....the lower and far reaching hills perhaps more quiet....same can be said for the Lakes or any other NP really.

ps

Thanks cliveclops! The weather turned kind at about midday...otherwise terrible!