Stairway to heaven

One of our favourite tourist spots has become even more accessible following back breaking work to fix its path.

Heavy stones needed to be manually lifted to the Llanrhaeadr waterfalls site, sometimes hundreds of metres, but the end result means that visitors will enjoy easier access to the spectacular 240ft landmark.

Last year, the footpath had to be closed due to its deteriorating condition. The steps are one of the main access routes to see the waterfalls, leading down to a footbridge that is a popular viewing platform.

The Countryside Services Team from Powys County Council has overseen repairs and Cllr Aled Davies, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: “I’m delighted that walkers visiting Pistyll Rhaeadr will now be able to use this footpath after the steps were repaired.

“This work was not an easy task. The demanding part of the job was the gathering of suitable large replacements stones from the immediate area which required manual handling and transport, sometimes for distances of hundreds of yards.

“As this is a scheduled site, consent for the work was required from Natural Resources Wales and the source of stone needed to be from the local area.

“Contractors had to work on steeply sloping ground and also had to manage the task in an environment where large numbers of people continued to visit the waterfall and surrounding area.

“The importance of locally available public paths shouldn’t be underestimated. Our public rights of way network can play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of the people of Powys.”

If you would like more information on the work the council’s Countryside Services Team does in managing rights of way and public access in the county then email rightsofway@powys.gov.uk or telephone 01597 827500.

PICTURE: The council’s Countryside Services Team oversaw repair works to a flight of steps on a footpath leading to Pistyll Rhaeadr, near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.