Tourists are making our beauty spot home ‘hell’ – they bring out of control dogs and leave rubbish everywhere
TOURISTS are making the lives of residents in a beauty spot “hell” due to their out of control dogs and the piles of litter left behind.
The picturesque lake at Eryri national park, aka Snowdonia, in Wales was recently named the UK’s fifth best for a “water-based staycation”.
Llyn Tegid, Bala, has built a name for itself as being a place for water sports, fishing and its natural beauty.
It has though also become renowned for wild campers and motorhome owners due to its “free” parking and tent spots.
The problem has become so bad that a clearway order, banning drivers from parking there for any reason other than an emergency, was put in place on the B4402, running along the lake’s eastern sore.
Wider problems have also existed and Llangywer Community Council has a meeting with Eryri National Park wardens to discuss solutions on July 30.
There have been a number of complaints from local residents, with littering being a big issue as well as music and noise from “partying” campers and the fire risk posed by BBQs and campfires.
Toiletry issues are also a concern, with some campers said to use the lake.
Another issue is dogs.
Llangower farmer Geraint Roberts told the Daily Post he had heard barking in one of his fields on July 18 and when he went to investigate he discovered a dog had ripped out the stomach from one of his lambs, with its mother next to it.
Geraint said: “I drove all over the mountain that night, trying to find the dog and its owner. I didn’t see anyone – I suspect the owner was hiding.
“It’s very disheartening when this happens – you work hard to raise the animals, seven days-a-week.
“In the past 10 years I’ve lost three valuable rams down by the lake. One died of fright, suffering a heart attack. The others drowned, chased into the water by dogs.”
He did admit though that he is not certain that all the dogs belong to visitors but he has his suspicions.
Geraint said some tourists block his driveway when they are going for a walk, which leaves him trapped for the day.
He has also had fences damaged and gates left open.
Some have even refused to put their dogs on a lead even when sheep are nearby.
Geraint, who is a member of Llangywer Community Council, was pleased when the B4403 was designated a clearway.
He said: “In the silly season, all the passing spaces are taken by campervans.
“So no one can pass. Small vehicles can get through but not bigger ones.
“Some time ago there was an incident on the lake and the emergency services couldn’t get to it because the road was too congested with parked vehicles.”
What you need to know about wild camping
Wild camping allows adventurers to choose where to spend the night without being limited to conventional campsites and caravan parks.
Put simply, it is the act of camping in natural locations outside of designated camping areas — usually the countryside.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 made it easier for police to move people from on private land when they are deemed to be causing damage, disruption or distress.
The criminal offence is punishable by a prison sentence, fine or both, and/or seizure of the vehicle you are camping in — but only if you don’t leave the location when asked to by the landowner or police.
Not doing so can lead to nasty fines — you’ll likely be asked to move at first, but if you don’t, even as a first-time offender you’ll probably be given a fine of around £200–£300.
However, if you fail to remove your tent or vehicle from the area when asked, then the landowner may take civil action against you.
If you continue to cause disruption or intimidation to the landowner you could be convicted of aggravated trespassing — a much more serious offence which can result in a fine of up to £2,500, or even a three-month prison sentence.
Being a clearway, this allows North Wales Police to enforce the restrictions while if it was double yellow lines, the responsibility would fall to the local authority.
New signs were promised to be put up in time for the school holidays but have not yet materialised.
However, while signs banning parking overnight have long been in place at Llyn Tegid’s pay-and-display car park, on the edge of town, residents say visitors pay no attention and the ban is unenforceable.
Locals claim the car park is often rammed with motorhomes and tents in high season.
Many residents are not entirely opposed to the tourism and say it would be less of an issue if they took their litter home with them and reduced the amount of noise.
Most visitors are respectful and are welcomed as tourism is important to the area.
But those who are not considerate cause problems with the residents.
One said on social media: “Some leave tents, equipment, nappies, rubbish.
“Others leave the place tidier than when they arrived.”
‘HELL’
Others have branded the situation as “hell” while another called it “dreadful”.
Writing online, she said: “Rubbish, cans and a Lynx aerosol in my gateway. Set fire to my hedge in two places and our old horse was very freaked out the next day – by the exploding aerosol I’m guessing.”
Bearing the brunt are National Park wardens who are dedicated but who have limited powers.
According to Geraint, verbal abuse is increasingly common. “They are very helpful but their job is not a nice one anymore,” he said.
Writing online, another local agreed: “There are signs up (in the car park) saying no overnight camping, tents, caravans and motorhomes.
“I don’t think these people can read. They go down to the lake late evening when the wardens finish their shifts. There should be barriers to stop them.
“The wardens have enough to do during the day cleaning up other people’s mess and rubbish.
‘DISRESPECTFUL MINORITY’
“The wardens are mainly there to keep people safe, not as rubbish collectors. The disrespectful minority is spoiling it for everyone else. As a local resident, it beggars belief.”
Llyn Tegid’s ranking as the UK’s fifth-best water-recreation staycation site stemmed from research commissioned by Lake District operator Sally’s Cottages.
The league table was based on 5-star Tripadvisor reviews, TikTok posts, facilities and Google mentions of fishing and water sports.
In terms of kayaking, Llyn Tegid was second, and fourth for canoeing.
Lagging just behind, in sixth spot overall, was another Gwynedd lake, Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, which has suffered extreme problems with camping freeloaders.
A Bala resident said online: “I don’t understand why the National Park is not managing our car parks and lay-bys around the lake.
“If not controlled, this sort of behaviour may escalate as in the incidents recently seen around Llyn Padarn.”
Eryri National Park Authority said its wardens are working hard to tackle problems in Bala. But it said visitors had to take personal responsibility too.
A spokesperson said: “The Authority is fully aware of the challenges posed by illegal camping in the Bala area, including the associated problems of littering, BBQ fire risks, and parking issues. Our wardens are actively patrolling the area and will intervene where necessary and appropriate.
“We take these concerns seriously and are committed to protecting the natural beauty and safety of our National Park for all visitors and residents.
“However, it is crucial to emphasise that responsibility lies with the users of the National Park.
“We urge all visitors to follow the Countryside Code to help protect and preserve our beautiful landscapes.
“Compliance with these guidelines is essential to prevent environmental damage and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who come to enjoy Eryri.”
Geraint Roberts hopes a solution can be found.
“Being in a rural area close to a beauty spot like Llyn Tegid can bring problems,” he said. “Inconsiderate parking is a nuisance and noise from the wild camping parties is spoiling the peace and tranquility.
“It’s also disturbing guests at official campsites.
“Tourism is important here but many people look forward to winter.”
