Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) has outshone all to be named the UK's most picture-perfect mountain. With a staggering 544,313 posts under the hashtag #snowdon, Wales' highest beacon eclipsed the towering heights of Ben Nevis in Scotland, which tallied 283,297 hashtags, and Brecon's Pen y Fan, a close third with 188,216 posts, according to an analysis of Instagram hashtags by holiday property managers, Wheelwrights. England's pride, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, trailed behind at sixth place, garnering 116,709 hashtags.
Nonetheless, there is growing concern that social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, may be inadvertently sparking a surge in mountain rescues across North Wales. Chris Lloyd from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation revealed they've experienced a significant increase in callouts this year, attributing the trend to individuals attempting to replicate adventurous feats shared in online video and spreading across YouTube, reports North Wales Live . READ MORE: Campaigners say defacing English names on road signs is 'necessary and reasonable' READ MORE: School pupil dies in summer holidays tragedy Mr Lloyd said that inexperienced climbers are rushing into the mountains ill-prepared, often without adequate planning or the necessary gear.
Talking about the influence of social media, he added: "It's opened up the mountains to more people and there are certain podcasts by people about the more interesting or dangerous routes. "People see the podcast and think 'I can have a go at that' - and of course they have little experience and it poses a few problems of people getting themselves into places where they shouldn't be." He highlighted the importance of preparing thoroughly for any mountain challenge and checking the weather conditions in advance.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Wheelwrights remarked: "The beautiful peak and the surrounding area is a well loved holiday destination with plenty of hotels and holiday cottages to stay in, so it's no surprise it attracts visitors from all over the world, all waiting to get the perfect picture!" For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter ..
