Locals 'can't wait for the tourist tax' at 'besieged beauty spot'
The once world-renowned Dinorwig Quarry, now a social media sensation, has seen an influx of visitors to its site on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), with numbers over the Easter weekend described as "unbelievable".
Communities nearby have voiced their concerns about over-tourism and are unhappy about the litter and human waste left behind in the fields. Some residents admit to feeling too intimidated to leave their homes during busy weekends due to congested roads.
There are increasing calls for a review of parking regulations or even the creation of a new car park with toilet facilities on the mountain. While paid parking is available in Llanberis, which requires a hike up the mountain to reach the quarry known as the "place where time stood still", there is also free parking at the Allt Ddu bus terminus on the mountain itself, providing easier access to the quarry.
The quarry's "secret waterfall" is a major draw, despite being off-limits with warning signs after a past tragedy. Online adventurers frequently visit the site, although they are advised to stick to the footpaths. The damage to historic structures is causing increasing concern.
Local resident John Horrigan, whose home is adjacent to the quarry, expressed his worries: "The access road, on the line of the quarry's old railway, is now extremely dangerous – especially on blind bends where people are parking even though the road narrows. Something needs to be done here before it's too late. In two weeks time, if the sun shines on the next Bank Holiday weekend, we'll be facing this madness all over again."
Commenter Blaiddcymraeg asks: 'Where are the police? What is Gwynedd Council doing about it?'
Confusing replies: 'Surprising that the council haven't leapt into action and charged them from parking. Surely they wouldn't miss an opportunity?'
GETTING ANNOYED NOW adds: 'How many buses/minibuses go to these tourist areas daily? Surely if tourist hotspots get a lot of tourists, then there should be more buses from park and ride sites nearby, which are reasonably priced and run longer hours when tourists need them. Also, if there is a problem with public toilets then more should be provided. Most charge up to 50p these days, so why hasn't Cyngor Gwynedd done it's sums? Loos and park and ride buses = MONEY. Think about it now.'
Jonesey1 replies: 'It's difficult to magic up buses and bus drivers just for extra-busy bank holidays, if there were extra buses then out of season and on rainy days they'd be running virtually empty. I'm all in favour of having public WCs (on every street corner preferably) and local councils have long since dropped the ball on these but they do take time and money to build.'
Reactor says: 'I used to enjoy a quiet and lonely walk up there. Clearly that is now at an end - along with the nice spots on Anglesey.'
CharlesPhilipArthurGeorgeWindsor-Mountbatten thinks: 'There's no such thing as over-tourism. All tourism is good business. What arrogance! Some places have no tourism and would be glad of some income and jobs.'
RhosResident replies: 'All tourism is good business?! Are you joking? Over-saturating an area that relies on zero contract, minimum wage jobs? Yes, perfect for stable communities.'
Hogangymraeg adds: 'Some tourists disrespect places, come in their hoards and do as they like. Park on housing estates, park on yellow lines, leave litter, wild camp which is illegal in Cymru without a landlord's permission, have barbecues and leave hot briquettes that cause fires, defecate on the beaches, you have no real idea of the effect of over-tourism.'
Rojer writes: 'As someone living in Eryri I cannot wait for the tourist tax to start to see if we can get rid of the littering. If you live somewhere where there are no tourists, you will not understand how people in inundated areas feel.'
Steamnut replies: 'The tourist tax will not help this situation. At less than the cost of a tank of fuel for these vehicles there is no disincentive.'
ThePickledLiver thinks: 'If it's on TikTok, it'll be utterly unfashionable and forgotten about in a couple of years, so look forward to enjoying the peace and solitude. Besides, is an Easter bank holiday weekend any way to gauge anything and draw conclusions?'
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