Sustainable Mountain Adventures: How to Leave No Trace and Protect Eryri
Why Sustainable Mountain Adventures Matter More Than Ever
Snowdonia — or Eryri — is one of the UK’s most loved mountain landscapes. Its peaks, valleys, lakes, and ridges draw millions of visitors each year. But with popularity comes pressure.
Erosion, litter, overcrowding, and damage to fragile habitats are growing concerns — and walkers are increasingly aware of the impact they have. Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s something people actively look for when choosing outdoor experiences.
At Yonder Adventure Company, we believe the best adventures are those that protect the places we love, ensuring future generations can enjoy them too.
What Is Sustainable Mountain Walking?
Sustainable mountain walking means enjoying the hills while minimising your impact on the environment, wildlife, and local communities.
It’s about:
Making thoughtful choices
Understanding your footprint
Respecting the landscape
Leaving no trace of your visit
This approach benefits not just the mountains — but also your experience, helping you connect more deeply with the environment around you.
About Yonder Adventure Company
The Leave No Trace Principles (Mountain Edition)
The Leave No Trace principles provide a simple framework for sustainable outdoor adventures. Here’s how they apply specifically to mountain walking in Eryri:
🌱 1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Good planning reduces unnecessary impact.
Choose routes suitable for conditions and ability
Avoid fragile ground after heavy rain
Check weather forecasts to prevent forced shortcuts
Carry the right kit to avoid damage caused by poor decisions
🥾 2. Stick to Durable Surfaces
Mountain paths exist for a reason.
Walk in single file to reduce path widening
Avoid cutting corners on zig-zags
Stay on rock, stone, or established trails where possible
Be especially careful on peat and wet ground
Guides play a crucial role in choosing routes that balance enjoyment with preservation.
🗑️ 3. Take All Litter Home (Yes — All of It)
This includes:
Food wrappers
Fruit peels
Tissues
Tea bags
Even biodegradable items take time to break down in cold mountain environments.
A simple rule: If you carried it in, carry it out.
🚻 4. Respect Human Waste Guidelines
In remote areas:
Go at least 30m from water sources
Dig a small hole (where appropriate)
Pack out toilet paper
Never use stone shelters or paths
Many guided companies, including Yonder, actively educate clients on best practice — helping protect water quality and public health.
check out our wild camping or bespoke adventure days where these skills are taught responsibly.
🐑 5. Respect Wildlife & Livestock
Eryri is home to:
Ground-nesting birds
Grazing sheep
Sensitive habitats
Keep dogs under control, avoid loud noise, and give animals plenty of space — especially in winter and spring.
🏔️ 6. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Sustainability is also social.
Step aside on narrow paths
Keep group sizes manageable
Choose quieter routes where possible
Share the mountains respectfully
Small, guided groups naturally reduce congestion and improve everyone’s experience.
Why Guided Walks Are Often the Most Sustainable Choice
It might sound counterintuitive, but guided mountain walks can actually reduce environmental impact.
Here’s how:
✔ Smaller, controlled group sizes
✔ Thoughtful route planning
✔ Avoidance of heavily eroded paths
✔ Education on Leave No Trace
✔ Less off-path wandering
✔ Safer decision-making (reducing rescue callouts)
At Yonder, sustainability is woven into how we plan and deliver every adventure.
Sustainable Adventures for Groups & Businesses
More companies are looking for eco-conscious team-building and low-impact corporate experiences.
A guided mountain day offers:
Meaningful connection with nature
Shared challenge and teamwork
Minimal environmental footprint
A values-led alternative to traditional away days
We work with organisations that want their outdoor experiences to align with their sustainability goals.
Check out our Corporate & Team-Building Adventures page.
How Yonder Adventure Company Protects Eryri
Our commitment to sustainability includes:
Route planning that avoids overused areas
Small group sizes
Education on Leave No Trace principles
Encouraging public transport or car sharing
Supporting local communities
Promoting year-round, low-impact tourism
Leading by example on the hill
We don’t just guide people through the mountains — we help them understand and respect them.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Adventure With Purpose
As outdoor participation continues to grow, the future of places like Eryri depends on how we choose to explore them.
Sustainable mountain adventures allow us to:
Protect fragile landscapes
Reduce overcrowding
Improve visitor experience
Preserve access for future generations
If you want your next adventure to reflect your values — without sacrificing challenge, fun, or inspiration — we’d love to help.
Explore Snowdonia Responsibly With Yonder
Whether you’re new to the mountains or looking to deepen your connection with them, our guided adventures are designed to be low-impact, educational, and unforgettable.
👉 Explore Our Sustainable Guided Walks
👉 Book a Low-Impact Private Adventure Day
👉 Enquire About Eco-Conscious Corporate Adventures
Let’s protect Eryri — one thoughtful adventure at a time.
