NATURE LOVERS from across the globe can now enjoy some of Snowdonia’s most spectacular scenery from the comfort of their own homes.

On International Mountain Day last week, it was announced that it is now possible to see some of the most majestic footpaths on Snowdonia’s mountains on your own computer screen, thanks to Google Street View.

Since the launch of Street View in 2007, Google has travelled far and wide around the world capturing panoramic 360? images of the world’s streets.

During the last two years, the company has ventured into places that are inaccessible to vehicles and earlier this year, in collaboration with Snowdonia National Park Authority, some of the busiest footpaths in Snowdonia have been captured including the footpaths on Snowdon, Cwm Idwal, Lôn Gwyrfai, Foel Isbri as well as Meirionnydd’s very own Mawddach Trial and Minffordd Path.

Other unusual Street View projects have included virtual trips around Loch Ness and tours of some of the world’s most impressive museums.

With the Google Trekker, a 22kg pack carried on their backs and an appliance which includes 15 cameras above their heads, staff and volunteer wardens from the Park Authority have been recording images of Snowdonia for the new initiative.

Liz Jenkins, the authority’s geography information services officer is responsible for the project in Snowdonia.

She said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with Google to ensure that the special qualities of Snowdonia can be viewed by everyone in the world.

“Once the images have been processed, we’ll use them on our website so that everyone can enjoy them, in the hope that eventually they will inspire them to visit Snowdonia and see this wonderful area for themselves.”

In addition to Snowdonia’s footpaths, the summits of Skafell Pike and Ben Nevis can also been seen using the same method.

Laurian Clemence of Google UK, added: “We are delighted to bring Britain’s highest peaks to the world through Street View.

“These areas of outstanding natural beauty in Wales, England and Scotland can be viewed by anyone who is planning a specific visit, or for those who are simply interested in learning more about each peak, from the terrain and landscape, to the vegetation and views.”

To coincide with the announcement, a video made by the National Park Authority following Google Trekker’s recording work in Snowdonia can be viewed on www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjxPBV73TeA