Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Do Not Understand How People Use Trails

That’s right, they know nothing!

After long email exchanges with Simone Lowthe-Thomas, Director of Nature Recovery and Climate Change, she informed me to use local taxi firms that could wait for clients at the closed during the summer Pont Melin Fach Car Park in the waterfalls area of the BBNP. But, how could this be possible when there is a ‘prohibition of waiting at any time’ order at that location… This is how the discussion went…

Wales Outdoors said ‘Pont Melin Fach - I think that Pont Melin Fach is a fine location for the less able to access the river and the forest and just be in nature. The closure of the car park between April and September dramatically reduces the options for guides and removes from the mix one of the most attractive locations in the area for the less able to visit. Example, I have a group of four 70 years plus women who want a shorter walk and the proposed distance and time is ideally suited to a start in Pontneddfechan and a pick up at Pont Melin Fach. This, because of the closure, is not possible. I don't tell you this because I think you will consider the implications of the closure on the people that visit the area, but to express my anger at the closure and the reduced options both for guides and for visitors.’

Simone of the BBNP said ‘I appreciate the impact that the closure of the car park by NRW has had, perhaps one option you might consider is to work with one of the local Taxi firms who operate in the area, these may provide an opportunity to continue linear walks for groups whilst also providing some economic benefits to local firms, although I also appreciate there is a cost to this for you or your group members.’

Powys County Council said:

They truly do not know what they are doing…