Police have issued stern advice regarding visiting a beauty hotspot, after a weekend of ‘ridiculous’ parking earlier this month.
North Wales Police said there was ‘really disappointing’ and ‘irresponsible’ behaviour from visitors last week, when Storm Goretti left Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.
The impressive scenery has drawn a lot of walkers up into the hills – but the winter weather has also created difficult conditions for travelling.
It’s let to the police clamping down on vehicles that are left at the sides of the road, with enforcement officers patrolling looking out for illegally parked vehicles.
Their statement also stressed that ‘irresponsible behaviour for the benefit of some Instagram photos’ can put strain on the emergency services and volunteer mountain rescue groups, pulling them away from real emergencies.
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The advice has come after a weekend that saw ‘significant disruption’ due to poor parking at Pen y Pass within the Eryri National Park, which acts as an access point to climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon).
Police have slammed ‘irresponsible’ drivers visiting Eryri. Credit: Unsplash, Neil Mark Thomas
T/Inspector Jason Diamond, North Wales Police said: “It was really disappointing to see such irresponsible behaviour last weekend with people leaving vehicles in ridiculous parking locations, causing the ‘if they do it, I’ll do it’ effect and massively increasing risk to themselves and others.
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“We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail.
“Leaving vehicles at edges of snow lined carriageways and pushing others into the paths of oncoming vehicles at best increases the risk of coming back to a damaged vehicle, but at worst, hugely increases the risk of serious personal injury.
“We seldom get snow flurries like we have seen in recent days, so our general motoring public are not used to driving on snow and ice, so irresponsible behaviour for the benefit of a walk or some Instagram photos increases the demand on our emergency and volunteer services who could be focusing on dealing with real emergencies.
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“Pre-empting the social media responses, seizing vehicles left in dangerous situations, whilst always an option, needs to be risk managed in such conditions, whilst some may not be, we are always working with safety in mind. And building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds!
There will be extra parking patrols at Eryri/Snowdonia. Credit: Unsplash, Benjamin Blyth
“If you are planning on visiting Eryri please familiarise yourself with the weather forecast and keep up to date information relating to Storm Goretti by following the Met Office and news bulletins.
“If you do intend on visiting the area please make sure you park responsibly and sensibly. Local authorities will be sending their enforcement officers out and will be issuing notices to any vehicles illegally parked.”
Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet member for the Environment said: “The recent snow and ice have created some beautiful scenes and a wonderful atmosphere here in Gwynedd, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely. If you are coming to areas such as Pen y Pass to walk or to enjoy the views, please plan your visit carefully and respect others and our communities.
“We are asking people to park responsibly and not block the road for others. Our officers will be working with partners from other authorities with the aim of keeping the road clear.
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“We are also encouraging people to use public transport where possible, and bear in mind that the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service is running on the winter timetable, which means that buses are running less frequently.
“Because of the mountainous and rural nature of the area, visitors should also remember that the weather can affect the roads, which has a knock-on effect on public transport. Please check the weather forecast and road information before setting off.”
The Oldham Man and The Sea: the documentary about the Latics owner’s record-breaking Atlantic voyage
Danny Jones
It doesn’t matter if you’re not an Athletic fan or native to the borough; we think everyone should go along to watch the much-anticipated documentary about football club owner Frank Rothwell and his record-breaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean: The Oldham Man And The Sea.
One of the simplest and most satisfying names for a film we’ve heard in a long time.
For anyone who doesn’t know about the Oldham Athletic FC chairman turned OBE’s incredible story, Frank Rothwell has set multiple records with his impressive sea-faring feats in recent times.
This new doc, which just premiered at this year’s Manchester Film Festival, charts his latest trip across one of the biggest bodies of water on the planet in March 2024.
As you can see from the recent trailer, it’s almost as arduous a tale as the original Hemingway story.
This movie – produced by Journeyman Pictures and Chief Productions – made its full debut at the Odeon in Great Northern Warehouse for MFF 2026, and is set to have a number of other screenings in and around Greater Manchester in the coming weeks and months.
One of those is happening rather soon, in fact, over at Saddleworth’s Millgate Arts Centre on Saturday, 28 March, which is ideal for those local to the region; grab your tickets now.
ln fact, there’s also one happening even closer to his hometown the following month, with Oldham’s very own Queen Elizabeth Hall also hosting a special screening of Rothwell’s incredible achievement.
You can reserve your seats for that one right HERE.
Having not only become the eldest (70) Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge finisher back in 2021, but now holding the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to ever complete the crossing while rowing solo at 73 years old, he’s become nothing short of a local hero – and that’s just his stewardship of the Latics…
The film does, obviously, touch on his time at the helm of the League Two side, who finally returned to the EFL last June, but the heart and soul of this inspiring watch is the sail itself.
More importantly, it also documents not just the gruelling nature of the 64-day, seven-hour and 53-minute trek, but also how Frank has now helped raise more than £1.4 million on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
What an absolute icon.
Hopefully, this should be just about all the reason you need to watch The Oldham Man And The Sea the very next opportunity you get to do so – and, of course, all proceeds from ticket sales will also be going to charity, because just the kind of bloke he is.
And here’s hoping we get a streaming version sometime soon.
Four Manchester museums and galleries shortlisted for the ‘Oscars of the museum world’
Danny Jones
It’s official: four museums and galleries in Manchester have been shortlisted for what this particular scene dubs as the ‘Oscar’ equivalent of annual awards.
All located right here in the city centre, the quartet of cultural institutions are all famous not only in their own specific fields here in the North West, but nationwide and, indeed, all over Europe and beyond.
That being said, having this fantastic four-piece all nominated for the 2026 Museums + Heritage Awards together in the same year is a testament to just how blessed the Greater Manchester region is in this department.
Sponsored by Altair Media Ltd, the places in question are the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, as well as the National Football and Manchester Museum. Congratulations!
Credit: Publicity picture/Lee McLean/PA Media Assignments (supplied)
While the National Football Museum and Manchester Art Gallery have been nominated for group-wide accolades – the Visitor Welcome and Team of the Year awards, respectively – the other two have been selected for a pair of specific projects.
In the case of Science and Industry (SIM), they’ve been spotlighted for the highly anticipated opening of the new and improved ‘Power Hall’, finally relaunched this past October, along with the accompanying Andrew Law Gallery, which could win both Permanent Exhibition and/or Sustainable Project of the Year.
What a haul that would be.
As for Manchester Museum, their memorable world premiere of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years has been shortlisted for ‘Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year’.
Debuting back in July 2025, it wrapped up last September and has since moved over to the likes of the Wakefield Exchange in Yorkshire, where it’s still on display until Sunday, 12 April.
If you fancy a day trip to see a big, glowing and very cute cat, it’s well worth booking a day out to go and see it for yourself.
Shazia Butt, Manchester City Council‘s Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Property, Crime and Policing, said: “We’re very lucky in Manchester to have so many incredible, creative and world-class museums and galleries right here on our doorstep, providing inspiration, learning, energy and fun, as well as spaces to rest and reflect, free of charge every day of the week.
“We know that visiting museums and heritage sites is the most popular cultural pastime for our residents, with over 73% of people saying they loved to visit in a recent survey – and with the calibre of these amazing spaces and what they offer in the city, it’s not hard to understand why.
“It’s fantastic to see this backbone of our cultural offer in Manchester being recognised in this way up there amongst the very best of museums and galleries nationally and internationally.”
Once again, well done to all those involved in making these venues so amazing and well worthy of the already award-winning status, as this particular nomination is just the latest in a lasting lineage of recognition that all of these wonderful spaces have earned over decades. Long may it continue.
The awards ceremony itself will take place on Wednesday, 13 May at the Park Lane Hilton down in London; best of luck to those flying the Manc flag for us – not that they need it.
Daisy Jackson -
16th January 2026 
