Helen Pye, Snowdonia National Park Authority warden for Snowdon

A national park warden is urging walkers to forsake the high peaks and discover some of the hills away from the honeypots of Snowdonia.

Helen Pye, Snowdon’s warden, warned that the continuing winter means Wales’s highest mountain is only a suitable venue for experienced and properly equipped walkers.

Forecasters say the freezing weather is likely to continue beyond the Easter weekend.

Ms Pye, who has just taken over the job of national park warden on the 1,085m (3,560ft) mountain, said: “Although it’s spring, there’s an unusual amount of snow on the peaks at the moment and in some places you can be thigh-deep in snow.

“That’s why we are asking everyone who ventures out to the mountain peaks to ensure that they come prepared with the correct skills and tools.

“As well as the usual equipment required for mountain walking, ice-axe and crampons are an additional necessity under present conditions.

“If people want walks that are more challenging during the next few weeks, remember that you do not have to go to the peaks of the Snowdonia mountains to experience adventure.

“Snowdonia has a number of suitable walks which do not require special equipment.

“For example, in the north of the national park, the Cwm Penamnen walk near Dolwyddelan is a six-mile journey that follows part of the old Roman road, Sarn Helen and takes you past the Tai Penamnen archaeological dig.

“In the central area of the park, the Cynfal Falls walk near Llan Ffestiniog has superb views of the Foel Ysgyfarnogod, Foel Penolau and the Moelwynion mountains as well as Cardigan Bay.

“And, in the southern area of the park, the Foel Caerynwch walk near Brithdir gives you one of the best views of the Meirionnydd hills.

“You do not have to venture to the mountain peaks this Easter.

“Remember that the peaks of Snowdonia have been here for thousands of years, and they’ll continue to be here in the summer.

“So why not embark on one of the other walks this Easter and come back later in the year to venture higher, when the weather is kinder and daylight is longer?”

More details about the walks can be download from the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s website, or on the iPhone and android app Enjoy Snowdonia. Helen Pye’s Twitter feed is @WardenEryri.