Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the safety considerations?
- What about the children?
- How do I contact the organisers?
- Where can I stay?
- Can we take the dog?
- What will it cost?
- How do I book?
- How do I get there?
- How is the event managed?
- Is this the right walk for me?
- Social Evening
- FAQs
What are the safety considerations?
You need to choose walks within your capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced, but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk you have chosen. It is important that you carry adequate and appropriate clothing, that your footwear is robust and suited to the various weather conditions and terrain you may encounter. It is strongly advised that walking boots or stout walking shoes are worn for all walks, regardless of the grade. A packed lunch should be carried and at least a litre of drinking water.
Before starting out the leader or other designated person will explain the walk and advise any particularly difficult stages. You should make known to the leader any medical conditions or special circumstances which may affect your ability to complete the course. If extreme weather conditions prevail the walk may be amended or curtailed at the leaders’ discretion. As with all outdoor pursuits it is important that you check that your accident and medical insurance policies give adequate cover. You take part in this event at your own risk.
‘Barmouth Publicity Association’ recognises that walking in mountainous areas is an activity with a danger of personal injury. Participants in this activity should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Participants or their guardians take responsibility for ensuring:
- That the activity offered suits their needs, expectations and capabilities
- That participants’ actions conform to any safety guidance given during the initial briefing or by the leader during the walk.
- That any distress or concern during, or resulting from, the activity is drawn to the immediate attention of the leader in charge.
- That they are aware of the recognised risks and hazards associated with the activity and prepared to accept them.
- That the equipment and clothing used is suitable for the activity andworn as directed.
- That due regard is given to care of the environment and other users, and that the relevant Code of Conduct is adhered to.
What about the children?
Children under the age of 16 years old are welcome on all easy and moderate walks when accompanied by their parent or guardian. Young people 16 years old and over are welcome on all walks. Consideration should always be given to the grade and difficulty of the walk prior to booking.
How do I contact the organisers?
The Barmouth Festival of Walking can be contacted by:
post: Walking Festival c/o T.I.C., The Station.
phone: 01341 242 646
or email: info@barmouth-wales.co.uk
www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk
Where can I stay?
Barmouth offers a full range of accommodation from the simplest B&B to larger hotels, or caravan and camping parks. Look out for the Walkers Welcome symbol, indicating drying rooms and other useful facilities. Ask about breakfast times if your walks have early start times. Details of accommodation are available from the Publicity Association website www.barmouth-wales.co.uk or directly from Barmouth Tourist Information Centre tel. 01341 280 787 or email: barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are excluded from some walks (see FAQs on page four) because there are areas requiring careful footwork or narrow, precipitous paths. On all walks you are advised to keep your dog on a leash. Also to be aware that stiles are encountered on most walks and dogs should only be brought if they can climb or be easily lifted over them.
What will it cost and how do I book
- 1 day registration £7.50 per person
- 4 - 6 days £6.50 per person per day
- 7 days or more £5.50 per person per day
Pre registering is advised as the number of places on each walk are restricted. Registration payments should be made by cheque for the total amount and made payable to: Barmouth Publicity Association. Accompanied under 16 year olds - free of charge. Public Transport costs are not included in the registration fee. The enclosed booking form will let you see and plan the sort of schedule that suits your needs and abilities. Bookings are accepted on a first come first served basis, if a walk is over-subscribed you will be offered an equivalent grade alternative.
Early booking will help us to plan effectively to ensure the best service during your visit. Please send a stamped addressed envelope with the booking form if you require a receipt. Booking details are also online, see www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk
How do I get there?
By Road: It will take about three hours from Birmingham, three hours from Cardiff, and two hours from Manchester. The town is on the A496 which links to the A470 (north/south traffic) and A458 (east/west traffic). By Rail: The Cambrian Coast line, operated by Arriva Trains links via Shrewsbury to the northwest and via Birmingham to London, the south and east. By Coach: National Express and Arriva bus services provide interlinked services from most parts of the country.
How is the event managed?
Barmouth Publicity Association has developed this event, taking expert advice to ensure a safe, interesting and variable programme for your enjoyment. Risk assessments have been carried out to reduce the potential for accidents, though common sense plays a large part in outdoor pursuits of any kind. Participants are, therefore, requested to take every precaution and be aware of the needs of fellow walkers.
Walk Leaders have been chosen for their local knowledge and experience; most are experienced local enthusiasts, while others work for local outdoor pursuits centres. They are fully conversant with the needs of walkers at all levels of ability. Local historians and naturalists lead some walks.
Is this the right walk for me?
If in doubt, take medical advice before booking. We can offer walks at all the listed grades. All walks have been graded to give you guidance, they have been calculated on an average walking speed of 1 to 2mph and take account of the gradients involved, the terrain to be encountered as well as normal weather conditions. The grades are:
A Hard – a walk that will have a number of areas that can place a demand on the physical and mental capability of the walker. There are a number of ascents/descents during the walk, the route at times will require careful navigation and foot placement. Steep ascents and declines, wet ground and distance contribute to the designation “A” A new designation of “A+” has been used for even more challenging walks.
B Moderate - a walk that will include one or two physically or mentally demanding stretches. There may be a number of quite severe ascents and descents which could be considered challenging.
C Easy - a walk that can be completed without undue stress or physical strain. Normally low level walks with easy escape routes to a village or town. A walk may be designated as ‘Easy’ though it could be demanding due to the distance and time taken to complete. Please note that all walks take place in the surrounding hills and involve some climbing.
Social Evening
As part of the walking festival programme, we are pleased to offer you another opportunity to get together with other walkers, the leaders and organisers, for an evening of good food, drinks and enjoyable company.
There will be a three course, hot buffet meal held on Thursday, 22nd September, in the Arts Room, Dragon Theatre, Barmouth, at 7.30pm.
The cost of the evening will be £16.50 per head and there will be a bar available for you to purchase from a selection of wine, beer and soft drinks. Please indicate at the time of booking if you would like tickets, though there should be limited availability during the week.
We do hope you can join us for what promises to be a popular addition to our festival.
FAQs
Is it possible to meet at the start point of the walk?
Yes, providing you have contacted us in advance and have read the health and safety handout.
Can I share a lift to the start of a walk if I have no car?
There should always be room in another vehicle but please make a note on your booking form.
Can I bring the dog?
Yes, except for Walks: 7, 13, 14, 15, 18 & 19 which are not suitable.
What is the start point for walks?
All walks commence with registration at the Dragon Theatre, which is centrally situated on Jubilee Road, next to the market car park. For information on meeting at the start point, using private vehicles or sharing transport, please contact the event organisers prior to the walk.
What is Taith Ardudwy?
TAITH ARDUDWY (The Ardudwy Way) - Officially launching during this year’s festival (walk 9, Monday 19th September), Taith Ardudwy is a signposted, 3-day, mid level walk from Barmouth to Llandecwyn, taking in some of the finest scenery that Wales has to offer. The route can be also be undertaken as a series of day walks & has been specifically devised to encourage the use of sustainable, local public transport. Ask at T.I.C.’s for printed leaflets or visit: www.taithardudwyway.com