More of Snowdonia 'open for business'

Three paths reopened after "risk assessment"

Restrictions following the foot-and-mouth crisis are to be lifted on another of Snowdonia's most popular peaks in a bid to boost the tourist trade in time for the bank holiday weekend.

Three paths leading to the summit of Cader Idris, together with open land on the northern side of the mountain will be officially opened on Wednesday.

Crisis in Wales

Total confirmed cases UK-wide 1,629 - with 91 in Wales

Powys - 57 cases

Anglesey - 13 cases

Monmouthshire - 16 cases

Caerphilly 1

Rhondda Cynon Taff - 1

Neath Port Talbot -1

Newport - 3

The walk ways have been deemed safe after a strict risk assessment programme undertaken by officials.

Around 100,000 walkers and climbers visit Cader Idris every year but businesses in the area have been hard hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Snowdonia National Park Authority Chairman, Councillor Caerwyn Roberts said: "This will undoubtedly boost the economy of the southern parts of the Park that has suffered immensely because of the foot and mouth disease restrictions.

Like Snowdon, walkers and climbers will have to disinfect their boots as they start their ascent and when they come off the mountains at the end of their excursion and dogs will not be allowed on the land.

Restrictions are relaxed in Snowdonia

The National Trust's Director for Wales, Peter Broomhead, said: "Everything possible must be done to protect Cader Idris from the foot-and-mouth disease.

"I'm sure the public realise the importance of the measures that have been adopted and will co-operate fully as usual."

Meanwhile, in parts of west Wales some paths and cycle tracks are also being reopened.

The National Park Authority is lifting restrictions on two stretches of pathway on the Deer Park Headland on Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

In Carmarthen, 3,000km of footpaths are being reopened as well as all of the county's cyclepaths.