Walkers are being warned to plan ahead if visiting country parks in North Wales after claims that 250 people were seen going up Moel Famau in apparent ignorance of social distancing rules.
Denbighshire Countryside Services are asking people to be responsible when visiting areas including Loggerheads Country Park after an influx of visitors saw car parks full within hours when lockdown restrictions were lifted.
A photo shared by TengahMR on Reddit showed a large crowd walking up Moel Famau on Thursday night.
The user posted: "What Coronavirus? Moel Famau, Denbighshire tonight at 8pm. Group of 250 walking to the top. No social distancing whatsoever. WTF???!!!"
Today, Denbighshire Countryside Services said: " Last weekend was reported to be extremely busy across all countryside sites across the county as visitors took advantage of the lifting of restrictions.
"Car parks at Moel Famau and Loggerheads Country Park were full by the afternoon on both days. Vehicles were also reported parked on verges between the Moel Famau and forest car parks and barriers were lifted at Coed Moel Famau to try and reduce road side parking.
"Horseshoe Falls car park (with capacity for 45 vehicles) was closed by midday on Saturday and 103 vehicles were counted between Trevor Woods and Panorama Cottages. Significant number of visitors were attracted to the Horseshoe Pass and parked on the informal parking area opposite the café, on the minor lane leading towards Moel y Faen Quarry and on the A542."
Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We expected last weekend to be busy and visitors took advantage of the lifting of restrictions to visit countryside sites across the county.
“We are pleased to be welcoming visitors back to our scenic areas – it’s been a long wait. People should plan their journey whenever possible and consider visiting at less busy times of the day. They should also have a Plan B if they find car parks full.
“Last weekend, we saw some examples of vehicles parked on narrow country roads and we urge people to park responsibly and make sure they allow space for passing vehicles and for any emergency services.
“Our countryside is there for everyone to enjoy, but visit Denbighshire safely”.
