On Friday 14th. September a group sent off in good weather to climb Snowdon (1085m) via the Llanberis path. This long and winding path follows the line of the railway so is not too steep.

On Friday 14th. September a group sent off in good weather to climb Snowdon (1085m) via the Llanberis path. This long and winding path follows the line of the railway so is not too steep.

The summit was in cloud (as it is most of the year) and a cool breeze was blowing (as it does that most of the year too). Just as we arrived, one of the goods trains arrived, which filled the only open space on this very compact site. We were also joined by another three members who had chosen the more adventurous route via the famous knife edge ridge of Crib Goch.

The previous Snowdon Summit café had been designed by the famous architect, Clough Williams-Ellis. The structure was built with large windows overlooking the mountains and seascape below the highest point in England and Wales. Nature is unforgiving even at 1085m and sadly the windows did not survive the first Winter and some re-design was sought. The military took over the building during World War II and it never changed from looking like a concrete gun emplacement after then. Prince Charles described it at the highest carbuncle in Wales. It also had the reputation as the highest rubbish tip!

The Snowdonia National Park has been demanding high standards of buildings within the National Park whilst being the owner of this carbuncle. So the powers that be decided that the “blockhouse” should go and a completely new “summit experience” be built. The start was delayed by the lack of funding. The original scheme was priced at £9.5 m. Despite a couple of grants from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and other bodies only £8.5m could be raised. The scheme was adjusted accordingly so that work could start earlier this year.

Carillion won the contract. Part of their scheme was to pre-construct the steel frame in the sanctuary of the large shed at Shotton Steelworks to ensure all would fit. Once this was done, the frame was dismantled and sent for galvanising. One of the major concerns of such a project was Health & Safety. Apart from the usual concerns of any construction site, there were problems with weather, wind chill and wet. And if there was a casualty, how could they be evacuated… the ambulance cannot drive up to the site….the train cannot operate in high winds, the first being blown off the tracks into the valley below in 1890’s and the RAF helicopter doesn’t enjoy working in low cloud. And then there are the thousands of visitors who venture to the highest point in England and Wales either on foot or by train. Combine that with getting materials to the summit and then handling once they are there, the contractors have a challenge. To assist overcoming these problems, they enlisted the support of the HSE who welcomed the challenge.

There are three options for getting materials to the summit: the original was on foot or four feet, then the railway and now with modern technology, helicopter. Each has its draw backs. Mules are not readily available these days, the train only runs part of the year and its aim is to transport tourists, helicopters are expensive, restricted by weather and are a safety risk. The railway was the chosen option providing a staff train at the beginning and end of the day and freight trains squeezed in between the frequent tourist trains.

The site is restricted to just about the footprint of the scheme leaving just enough room for the site cabins and a small storage area, Once the freight train arrives (one loco and flat bed truck) the site is full.

Carillion knew of the risks of poor weather and therefore assumed that they could work between Easter and late Autumn, and really make progress during the long hours of daylight during the Summer months. (For those who were not in the UK this Summer, it was during April). They are currently working 7 days a week and hope to have the whole structure secure and weathertight by their close at the end of November. The official opening is at Easter 2008, so as soon as the snows clear out of the railway cuttings and the track maintenance is complete, they will re-start the works. A tight schedule.

At the time of our visit the steel structure (by Evadx) and Corus Hi Point roofing were complete and glazing panels were being installed. The Portuguese granite to the eaves has been fitted. But Carillion still have a long way to go. Walls which are not of Pilkington K glass are clad with Welsh granite and there are all the interior walls, services and finishes to do.

For those who are interested, check the www.snowdonia-active.com website. On the left side of the opening screen is a Blog for the summit development.

The eleven from CIOB walked down, descending out of the cold wind and low cloud to enjoy the walk down to Llanberis which was in the sunshine.

Thanks to Carillion for agreeing to the site visit on such a busy and compact site and thanks to those who supported this event (do the four hours of mountain walking count for CPD?).

Chris Lloyd

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