Vandals hit Coed y Brenin trails
Beware big holes as vandals deliberately damage Coed y Brenin trails. We've posted the official press release below but speaking to ranger Andy Braund there's been no repeat of the damage so he's hoping it's an isolated incident. However it's worth being aware that there's potentially a problem with waymarkers being moved - particularly as the weather gets worse - and big holes appearing where they shouldn't be. Obviously if anyone has any information or sees anything suspicious while riding then get in touch with Andy ASAP at
andy.braund@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
Anyway, here's the official press release:
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Vandals caused extensive damage to mountain bike trails at the popular Forestry Commission Wales site at Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, recently. Large rocks had been levered out of the trail surface
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causing hazardous obstructions and leaving big holes. Signs were ripped off posts and branches strewn across the trail. Way-markers were removed at key junctions, and some direction pointers had been taken off and put back on to point in the wrong direction. The damage could have caused an accident resulting in potentially serious injuries. Any risk was kept to a minimum by the prompt action of the recreation rangers.
"This was all done before a busy weekend and had very obvious safety implications for riders. A few way-markers changed round may be considered to be high jinx. However, just one arrow pointing in the wrong direction could result in a rider getting lost and in poor weather they could be in big trouble," said FC Wales Mountain Bike Ranger Andy Braund.
Coed y Brenin is a very popular and successful recreation destination bringing 130,000 visitors and substantial economic benefit to the area.
"It is unclear why anyone would want to cause damage and disruption on this scale. We are assisting the police in their enquiries in an effort to apprehend the culprits," said Andy.