Hikers are divided over queuing on Wales' highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, after heatwaves drew bumper summer crowds and climbers reportedly waited more than an hour to reach the 1,085m-high summit.
There is no official queue system in place, but during busy periods hikers line up to take photos with the metal plate that marks the top. Social media videos have shown arguments between queue-jumpers and people waiting their turn, with one viral Instagram clip from Manchester man Marc Screeton drawing particular attention.
Viral video sparks debate
Marc, 27, said there was 'no chance' he'd queue on any mountain, but others said it is necessary for safety reasons. Some argue that if you're tapping the summit and heading down again, you can go ahead, but if you're posing for pictures, you should get in line.
The issue is being debated everywhere from Sky News to the BBC, and Marc told Metro that he feels it's been blown out of proportion. 'I still feel the same and I would still never queue up on a mountain. If people want to queue, they can, but they can't expect everyone else to do the same,' he said. 'It's a little overwhelming, from what I thought was a harmless video, to blow up like it has is crazy.'
Expert weighs in on queue etiquette
Queuing is not always compulsory, but it is often an 'unspoken' social contract, according to an expert in moral philosophy. Johann Go, assistant professor of ethics at University College London, told the BBC: 'It's not that I have to queue, but given that others are already restraining themselves, if I were to then jump the queue, I would be saying 'to hell with them' and that my time is more valuable.'
As it stands, there is no plan to tackle the Snowdon dispute. A spokesperson for Eryri National Park Authority told Metro that its policy remains one of 'self-policing' at the summit. He said: 'Given how popular [it] is, particularly during peak times, some queuing can be expected. We would encourage everyone visiting Yr Wyddfa and the wider National Park to be respectful of others, and to help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy their visit safely and responsibly.'
Previous incidents and royal visitor
In May, two pals on a charity hike were booed and physically restrained by fellow walkers while climbing Snowdon after they bypassed queues to get to the top. Jamie Richardson, 32, and Richard Thiedeman, 34, from Lincolnshire, were climbing Yr Wyddfa as part of the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for their friend who has motor neurone disease (MND). Jamie told the BBC he had just touched the trig point when he heard someone say 'you should be ashamed of yourself'.
Among the thousands of visitors to the mountain this summer was the Princess of Wales. Kate also took on the Three Peaks challenge in June, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in 24 hours. Kensington Palace said it believed Kate was the first member of the royal family to complete the challenge. She took on the challenge to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and 'explore life beyond diagnosis'.
