Beautiful but ‘overcrowded’ national park under threat as it begs tourists ‘do not visit’

The UK is full of gorgeous natural landscapes perfect for relaxing weekends away, but one national park is currently struggling with driven by social media.

Tourists flocking to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park in , also known as the Brecon Beacons, are being encouraged to plan their visits outside of peak hours and utilise public transport to alleviate pressure on the park’s infrastructure.

The park, which attracts approximately four million visitors annually, is experiencing overcrowding and traffic congestion due to the increasing popularity of social media “influencers” sharing images of iconic spots such as Pen y Fan and Waterfall Country.

While the park authority welcomes tourists, it is urging them to consider to mitigate the impact on the park’s footpaths, car parks, and local amenities.

Rangers have also reported an , prompting the park to hire extra staff to ensure walkers are adequately equipped with suitable footwear and clothing for the unpredictable weather conditions in the uplands.

Despite efforts to promote responsible tourism, the allure of social media is likely to continue drawing visitors, particularly from the nearby urban centres.

Helen Roderick, the park’s sustainable development officer, told the : “It’s just about balance. There is plenty of room at the park but it’s just during peak holiday season it’s really busy.”

She suggested visiting early in the morning or during off-peak months like September and October for

Many influencers visit the park specifically to capture the Pen Y Fan peak in their content, while others have been spotted posing in bikinis near the area’s waterfalls.

Helen has revealed that the surge in visitors to the park, which began during the lockdowns, has necessitated the introduction of extra “meet and greet staff” to manage the influx.

While the park is keen , Helen emphasised the importance of adhering to what she termed “countryside morals”.

Visitors seeking the perfect photo are being urged to act responsibly and treat the environment with respect.

Currently, the National Park is devising a new tourism strategy to mitigate environmental damage, with a car ban being considered as a potential measure.