Today many of us live in a world that thrives on being busy, productive and over scheduled. We have become normalised to living in a noisy ‘always on’ culture. Technology means we are constantly connected and our ‘devices’ are always nearby, ready to provide us with a constant source of information, entertainment and distractions. Our senses are regularly being bombarded. Naturally occurring periods of tranquillity or silence are increasingly rare and valuable.

Being alone or just having time and space to reflect, is essential for our mental health. Spending time in nature brings a whole host of further benefits. It has been proven to have a therapeutic effect as it relieves stress, it restores attention and the ability to focus. Being active in the outdoors also provides personal challenges that can lead to creative problem-solving and increased self-confidence. It provides the space for people to step back, evaluate problems clearly, resolve difficult issues and to clarify thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

Tranquillity still prevails in many parts of Eryri, both during the day, in it’s large, remote and rugged mountain ranges; and at night, when the vast, awe-inspiring dark skies are revealed. For us and for visitors to our area, Snowdonia provides the ultimate escape, a place to breathe and reset.

Recognition of these benefits are not new… “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over civilised people are beginning to find out that  going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity”. (John Muir ‘Father of The National Parks’ 1838-1914) In a world that should be increasingly concerned about problem solving and sustainable productivity, then… 

“It makes sense that meditation, and indeed any other state of enforced silence and solitude, can be a prerequisite to creative thought and idea generation. Art-making is often linked to the pop-psychological notion of being “in the zone” – a sort of trance-like creative state analogous to that achieved through meditation, yoga, or other focusing pursuits that link the mind and body in a state of near silence.” (Emily Gosling – Creative Review 2018) 

For thousands of years, pilgrims and people seeking understanding, spiritual enlightenment, safety and peace have travelled to and through Snowdonia.