News Archive

Society appoints new Director

10 March 2010

The Snowdonia Society has recently appointed Gareth Clubb as Director. He will take up his post in mid-April.

Looking for leadership?

Looking for leadership?

24 February 2010

The Society and Plas Y Brenin have joined forces to offer discounted training on mountain leadership courses. You had better be quick - it's first come, first served...

In the Summertime...

In the Summertime...

24 February 2010

The Society's summer events programme has now been published. Members are now able to book places on a range of walks, talks and trips.

Big Crowd at Public Meeting

Big Crowd at Public Meeting

19 February 2010

A public meeting in Llanbedr to discuss the future of the former military base drew a huge crowd on Feb 18. The Society wants to see jobs created on the former military site for local people.

Easter holiday and May Plant sale – Volunteer help needed!

Easter holiday and May Plant sale – Volunteer help needed!

12 February 2010

The Snowdonia Society needs volunteer help over Easter to man the visitor centre at The Ugly House. We also have the Annual Plant Sale running over two days this year and will also hold a book sale.

Extra  Discount at Cotswold

Extra Discount at Cotswold

11 February 2010

Members shopping at the two Cotswold stores in Betws Y Coed will get a whopping 25% discount during March on production of their membership card. 

Volunteer opportunities in Snowdonia

Volunteer opportunities in Snowdonia

04 February 2010

Find out about volunteering for the Society, and long-term opportunities with the National Trust in Snowdonia

Happy Birthday to http://

Happy Birthday to http://

02 February 2010

Our new style website is one year old. 76 members have joined on-line since the new system went live a year ago in late January 2009. We have just started a Twitter feed and we will shortly be adding video.

Signs of trouble

Signs of trouble

02 February 2010

Signs certainly have their uses  - but the mountains of Wales are no place for urban features.

Pre-history in the Park

Pre-history in the Park

01 February 2010

Renowned author and historian Frances Lynch will speak on pre-history in the National Park at the Canolfan Cefnfaes in Bethesda at 7 pm on Thursday, 11th February 2010.

Summer Programme 2010

Summer Programme 2010

01 February 2010

We are putting final touches to our summer programme. We can't promise the Sun will always shine but we do promise an interestiing mix of guided walks, a film, an underground trip and cycling. You might even get to see dolphins.

New Director Sought

New Director Sought

25 January 2010

The Society is seeking a new director to take forward the Charity's important work in the Snowdonia National Park. Applications close at noon on February 5.

Cost Savings in Capel Curig.

Cost Savings in Capel Curig.

25 January 2010

Society members enjoy a 10% discount at Joe Brown's climbing shop on clothing, equipment and footwear and 10% off standby accomodation at Plas Y Brenin.

Forthcoming walks

Forthcoming walks

25 January 2010

A winter day in the snow high on the Glyderau? Or a guided geological tour around the splendours of Cwm Idwal? The Society organises walks to suit all tastes.

Volunteer work day at Plas Tan y Bwlch

Volunteer work day at Plas Tan y Bwlch

24 January 2010

The Snowdonia Society is joining a volunteer work day at Plas Tan y Bwlch on 30 January, helping out with grounds maintenance.

Winter Walking in Snowdonia

Winter Walking in Snowdonia

20 January 2010

Our next walks will take place on Jan 30 and Feb 6. A family walk or a real taste of winter on the summits? - it's your choice! 

Full House for Buildings lecture

Full House for Buildings lecture

19 January 2010

The Society's public lecture on the Buildings of Gwynedd attracted a full house in Caernarfon on Jan 18, with over sixty members of the public turning up.

Save Money - and the Environment!

Save Money - and the Environment!

17 January 2010

The Gwynedd Environmental Partnership are holding a conference in Porthmadog on January 26.

Staffing update

Staffing update

16 January 2010

Sarah Medcalf has joined the staff of the Society. As Assistant to the Director, she is our only full time employee.

After the big freeze ....

After the big freeze ....

15 January 2010

It was 7C at Pen Y Pass at noon on Friday 15 Jan. A full scale thaw is in progress, with snow and ice melting at an alarming rate.

Rags2Riches initiative at Green Week

Rags2Riches initiative at Green Week

15 January 2010

Saturday 6th February 2010 - 10am to 4pm We are helping to open Bangor University 'Green Week' with a Fabric Bag Making Workshop.

Pevsner's man in Gwynedd

Pevsner's man in Gwynedd

08 January 2010

Author Adam Voelker will give a lecture for the Society on the Buildings of Gwynedd at the Galeri arts centre in Caernarfon on this coming Monday, January 18th. This event is open to all.

Ice axe, crampons...and sunglasses

Ice axe, crampons...and sunglasses

05 January 2010

It's more like the Alps than North Wales on the hills at the moment. Superb winter conditions over the new year weekend look set to continue for a few more days.

Society seeks new Treasurer

Society seeks new Treasurer

04 January 2010

As a result of ill health, the Society is urgently seeking a new Treasurer to replace Pat Clayton.

Direct debit - Thanks!

Direct debit - Thanks!

03 January 2010

The switchover from standing orders to direct debits for members' subscriptions is going well. The trustees wish to thank members for their support in this process.

10% off at Conwy Outdoor

10% off at Conwy Outdoor

01 January 2010

We welcome Conwy Outdoor as our latest discount partner. Members receive the discount on non sale items including Rohan gear.

All aboard

All aboard

22 December 2009

The Society's first walk of the new decade with Netti Collister on January 6th has been cancelled due to adverse weather......

Cavorting on Cader

Cavorting on Cader

20 December 2009

Icy roads and a poor weather forecast put paid to the Society's planned climb of Cader Idris on December 20.  Walk leader Alun Pugh went anyway..

Baby it's cold outside...

Baby it's cold outside...

19 December 2009

But you will certainly get a warm welcome if you volunteer to join one of the January workdays on our conservation project

Kemble - the reality

Kemble - the reality

17 December 2009

The firm behind plans to buy the decommissioned former military site at Llanbedr have been revealed as the home of the "world's biggest aircraft scrappers". Is this why they have been so coy about their Llanbedr plans?

Spring departure for Director

Spring departure for Director

16 December 2009

Society Director Alun Pugh will be leaving his post in the Spring. He has been selected to contest the Arfon seat in the forthcoming general election. A member since 1992, his voluntary work for the Society will continue.

Christmas in Capel Curig

Christmas in Capel Curig

09 December 2009

On Tuesday 15th December we will be at St Julitta's church. It's our annual clean up of the site in preparation for the Christmas candle-lit carol service

Bonington & Fogle team up

Bonington & Fogle team up

01 December 2009

Mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington and writer/adventurer Ben Fogle will share a personal insight into their favourite adventure on March 31st to support the Campaign for National Parks.

 

December Events

December Events

26 November 2009

A wild winter walk on Cader Idris (20th) and our Christmas Social & lunch (5th) in Blaenau Ffestiniog are on the December menu.

Llanbedr:  'Fresh Thinking' required

Llanbedr: 'Fresh Thinking' required

25 November 2009

Following the decision of the SNPA to refuse certificates of lawful use at the former military site, the Society has written to the Welsh Government asking for "fresh thinking" on the site's future.

Buying Charity Christmas cards?

Buying Charity Christmas cards?

20 November 2009

We are selling our remaing stock of Christmas cards at a reduced price. Two designs are available and all profits go to our charitable funds.

If you go down to the beach today….

If you go down to the beach today….

13 November 2009

this is not the sight which will greet your eyes. Thanks to the hard work of Conservation Snowdonia volunteers for their work in October. Come to our volunteer social on Nov 30 and get involved!

Setback for airport plans.

Setback for airport plans.

12 November 2009

The Snowdonia National Park Authority has refused applications for lawful use certificates at the disused military site at Llanbedr. The prospect of Britain's newest airport being opened in Snowdonia is more distant.

Christmas is coming...

Christmas is coming...

11 November 2009

and if there is an outdoor person in your life you may wish to take advantage of a 25% members' discount at Cotswold in November.

Job Advertisment

Job Advertisment

03 November 2009

The Society is currently recruiting for the post of Assistant to the Director. It's an interesting and responsible position in our small team of paid staff.

Vote! - please!!

Vote! - please!!

02 November 2009

The North Wales Wildlife Gardening Project would like your People's Millions vote to secure a project in North Wales.

Want to live in the 19th Century?

Want to live in the 19th Century?

26 October 2009

The Search is on for two modern-day families willing to be transported back to 1890 for a new BBC Wales "reality show" Snowdonia Farmhouse.

350 Group links arms on Snowdon

350 Group links arms on Snowdon

25 October 2009

A big group, including members of Cymdeithas Eryri, braved gales on the roof of Wales to draw attention to climate change on October 24.

Yes Minister!

Yes Minister!

18 October 2009

Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson AM was the guest speaker at our 2009 AGM. She confirmed that there was no prospect of major wind farms being allowed in Welsh National Parks.

Inspired by Nature?

Inspired by Nature?

17 October 2009

and want to write about it? Natur Cymru are running a competition with a top prize of £500.

Better by half

Better by half

10 October 2009

An additional bus service to Snowdon is welcome, but better still would be a complete rethink on how each year half a million walkers access the highest point in the UK south of the Scottish Highlands.

Search Dogs in action

Search Dogs in action

09 October 2009

Ever wondered how search dogs are trained and operate on the hill? Join us on November 1st to find out.

In for a penny

In for a penny

08 October 2009

Controversial plans for a new toilet block in Betws Y Coed have been kicked into touch by the SNPA. The Society thinks they were right to do so.

Hafod Eryri: What's your verdict?

Hafod Eryri: What's your verdict?

29 September 2009

The Society would like to hear your views on the experience at the highest point of our nation.

350.org: Snowdon Action

350.org: Snowdon Action

28 September 2009

The community action group Ecobro is holding a day of action on Snowdon on October 24. It will draw futher attention to the issue of global warming.

Conservation Snowdonia Project

Conservation Snowdonia Project

21 September 2009

October 2009 volunteer workdays - You are very welcome to come along and get involved.

You might need these...

You might need these...

20 September 2009

If you want to get up Snowdon using a bus from Betws Y Coed this Autumn. Cuts to bus timetables are causing all sorts of problems.

Prat Nav!

Prat Nav!

15 September 2009

GPS technology is a boon - in the right hands. Take a 40 ton truck, an inexperienced driver and a GPS and the results can be less than impressive on the roads of Snowdonia.

Minister will address Society AGM

Minister will address Society AGM

12 September 2009

Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson AM will be speaking at our AGM in Bala on October 17.

Decide Eryri's future!

Decide Eryri's future!

10 September 2009

The Snowdonia National Park Authority are seeking new members.

Airport Developers criticise the Society

Airport Developers criticise the Society

02 September 2009

The company seeking to create Britain's newest airport at Llanbedr have criticised Cymdeithas Eryri.

A masterclass for members

A masterclass for members

01 September 2009

We are grateful to Steve Lewis for running a Summer photography masterclass for our members. 

On yer bike!

On yer bike!

01 September 2009

Members and non members are welcome to bring a mountain bike for a 4 hour ride on the Carneddau on October 3. 

The best walk in Southern Snowdonia?

The best walk in Southern Snowdonia?

21 August 2009

The Society’s walking programme includes a visit to Cwm Cywarch and an ascent of Aran Fawddwy on Saturday 19th September. 

Recognise this?

Recognise this?

17 August 2009

You are very welcome to join our September volunteering programme and discover what mammal left it behind!

No mortar please....

No mortar please....

15 August 2009

Professionals and amateurs alike put their traditional rural skills on display at the Society's Annual Dry Stone Wall Competition on July 18.

Bala Venue for 2009 AGM

Bala Venue for 2009 AGM

03 August 2009

The 2009 Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held in the Snowdonia community of Bala on October 17.

Don't forget your camera!

Don't forget your camera!

02 August 2009

Renowned landscape photographer Steve Lewis will be running an outdoor workshop in Snowdonia for members on August 9th.

Volunteer opportunities for the summer months

Volunteer opportunities for the summer months

30 July 2009

Conservation Snowdonia Project - August 2009 workdays 

'Smart' businesses cut carbon and bills!

'Smart' businesses cut carbon and bills!

13 July 2009

Local businesses are set to slash their electricity bills as they got ‘smart’ last week and are utilising the latest technology to monitor their electricity consumption.

New Bus Service is launched

New Bus Service is launched

26 June 2009

The Society welcomes the launch of a new summer bus service serving Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley. The new service will run until September 5.

Dawn on the Carneddau

Dawn on the Carneddau

22 June 2009

The Society's overnight Solstice Walk over the Carneddau didn't get good weather, but it was certainly an enjoyable experience.

Conservation Snowdonia Project - July workdays

Conservation Snowdonia Project - July workdays

13 June 2009

July 2009 is shaping up to be a busy month for us so please come along and help

No mortar please....

No mortar please....

12 June 2009

Our Annual Dry Stone Wall competition takes place on July 18th at the Capel Curig Carnival. A new trophy will be awarded to a young person to commemorate Mike Cousins.

Bargains in Betws

Bargains in Betws

12 June 2009

Members of the Society can take advantage of many discounts on goods and services. This month we take a look at offers in the community of Betws Y Coed. 

'Highest slum in Wales' replaced

'Highest slum in Wales' replaced

11 June 2009

The Society has issued a statement to mark the opening of Hafod Eryri at the summit of Snowdon.

The Bird and the Fox

The Bird and the Fox

10 June 2009

The Ty Hyll grounds have some new residents, thanks to great work by one of our our star volunteers Barrie Fox.

Going up!

Going up!

06 June 2009

On the weekend of July 11/12 we are running a special series of events to mark the completion of Hafod Eryri.

PYG: The bulldozers move in

PYG: The bulldozers move in

04 June 2009

The bulldozers have moved in to create a car park in a "shameful" act of vandalism on an iconic Snowdonia location. The right answer to visitor pressures is not to build more car parks in open country.

Local youngsters miss out

Local youngsters miss out

03 June 2009

Many local young people and youth groups are missing out on fun and valuable experiences in The Snowdonia National Park.

Come and visit us!

Come and visit us!

23 May 2009

Our annual Plant Sale over the Whitsun weekend was a great success - but we still have a few plants for sale for callers to Ty Hyll.

And the winner is...

And the winner is...

20 May 2009

A Betws Y Coed business is the overall winner in this year's Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards. The winner was announced in a presentation ceremony held on May 20. 

Celebrating 90 years of mountain walking

Celebrating 90 years of mountain walking

15 May 2009

To mark 90 years of recreational walking across the 3,000 feet mountains of Wales the Society has launched a new website 14peaks,com

Snowdon gets another car park

Snowdon gets another car park

13 May 2009

Plans to create an overspill car park in open country at Pen Y Gwryd represent a failure of leadership in sustainable transport policy. The historic site will be urbanised when Gwynedd Council send in the earthmovers.

Marathon effort

Marathon effort

12 May 2009

The Snowdonia Marathon is not only a great event. It is also benefiting many local groups and charities including the Snowdonia Society.

And the winner is...

And the winner is...

01 May 2009

Snowdonia’s leading tourism businesses will be walking the red carpet on May 20 at the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s Environmental Studies Centre,

May 2009 - Volunteer Workdays

May 2009 - Volunteer Workdays

10 April 2009

Volunteer Workdays this month include woodland work and rhododendron clearance with lots of visiting groups.

Tourism gets SMART about the environment

Tourism gets SMART about the environment

10 April 2009

The Society and the Energy Saving Trust have joined forces to loan Smart meters to tourism businesses, enabling them to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.

Save Harlech Pool!

Save Harlech Pool!

09 April 2009

The Society's team in the Harlech Triathlon have added their voices to the campaign to save Harlech pool from closure by Gwynedd County Council.

PYG or NCP?

PYG or NCP?

31 March 2009

The Society is carefully examining plans to build a car park in open country at the historic and iconic location of Pen Y Gwryd.

In it to win it!

In it to win it!

26 March 2009

Green tourism businesses could collect £500 for half an hour's work by entering the Society's 2009 Green Snowdonia Tourism Awards. The closing date for applications is April 20.

Take it easy...

Take it easy...

26 March 2009

Our April walks offer a gentle start to Spring. On 25 April Falcon Hildred leads on Blaenau Ffestiniog's history while SNPA warden Brian Jones starts our April programme on the 2nd.

Where's the Bws?

Where's the Bws?

23 March 2009

Services on the Snowdon Sherpa routes are under threat following the decision of the Welsh Government to pull the plug on funding.

Things come in in threes.

Things come in in threes.

23 March 2009

Take two young lads and a borrowed car. Ty Hyll bridge has seen three crashes in three weeks.

What future for the Uplands now?

What future for the Uplands now?

20 March 2009

Registrations for the Society's 2009 conference (March 28) close on Monday 23rd. You will have to move quickly to secure a last-minute place.

April Workdays 2009

April Workdays 2009

20 March 2009

Conservation Snowdonia Workdays this month include woodland work, rhododendron clearance and bird identification – We always need more help!

Snowdonia's future under discussion

Snowdonia's future under discussion

11 March 2009

The Snowdonia National Park Authority are currently engaged in a major public consultation on the future of the National Park. It's your chance to have your say.

March Workdays 2009

March Workdays 2009

06 March 2009

Come and help to ensure the survival of Snowdonia in these changing times by volunteering to join our Conservation Snowdonia Project

Walk with a warden

Walk with a warden

22 February 2009

Snowdonia National Park wardens will be leading Cymdeithas Eryri guided walks on Feb 28th and March 14th. We are grateful to SNPA wardens Alan Pritchard and Islwyn Pritchard-Jones for leading them.

Fabric Bag Making Workshop in Dolwyddelan

Fabric Bag Making Workshop in Dolwyddelan

19 February 2009

Come along to this FREE workshop and learn how to make old fabrics into funky reusable shopping bags. Snowdonia Society's Conservation Volunteers are continuing their 'Old Rags to a Richer World' initiative.

Climb if you will, but...

Climb if you will, but...

16 February 2009

Snowdonia's mountains are looking great at the moment, but a winter ascent to the roof of Wales requires an ice axe and crampons - and the ability to use them.

Fancy getting your hands dirty?

Fancy getting your hands dirty?

16 February 2009

Bea Kelsall our volunteer co-ordinator is running a number of volunteer workdays and activities over the next few months. Come along and make a real contribution

Britain's newest commercial airport: Snowdonia

Britain's newest commercial airport: Snowdonia

09 February 2009

The Society is pressing for a full and public debate on the Welsh Government's plans to create a civilian airfield on a disused and decommissioned miltary facility near Harlech.

Climate Change

Climate Change "no laughing matter"

28 January 2009

The Welsh Government are using a comedian to speak on their climate change policies. We say they need no professional help.

Space Invaders in Snowdonia

Space Invaders in Snowdonia

26 January 2009

A senior ecologist from the Snowdonia National Park Authority will be talking about invasive species and the problems they cause on January 28.

Welcome to our new Website

Welcome to our new Website

23 January 2009

Today, the Snowdonia Society launches our new website. It will bring news about Wales' biggest National Park and the work of Cymdeithas Eryri to your mailbox every 30 days.

Burn those Christmas Calories

Burn those Christmas Calories

13 January 2009

A Boxing Day walk to the highest peak in Wales is one way of burning the spare calories from the Xmas pud