A PLETHORA of walking routes are now accessible online thanks to innovative technology and the hard work of National Park staff.

Seventeen footpaths in Snowdonia are now available to view from the comfort of your own home, thanks to Google Street View and the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

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

However two years ago, after the company began using the Google Trekker to venture into places that were inaccessible to vehicles, 11 footpaths in Snowdonia were added to the resource including the footpaths on Snowdon that give you the best view in the UK.

This was followed last year with another 17 footpaths being recorded for the first time.

With the Google Trekker, a 22k pack, on their backs and a globe which includes 15 cameras above their heads, volunteers and SNPA staff have again been recording views from Snowdonia for Google Street View.

This time however, a wider variety of footpaths, several in the Bala area, were recorded throughout the National Park including some that are suitable for families and are accessible to all.

Mair Huws, the authority’s head of wardens and access, said: “The truth is that we have so many footpaths in so many places in the National Park, which are suitable for all kinds of ability, one of the advantages of having a resource such as Google Street View for the footpaths of Snowdonia, it that is shows their diversity.

“Another advantage of using Google Street View of course is that it can give you an idea of the terrain before you arrive and therefore it can help you make an informed decision about which path is suitable for you before you start out on your journey. It would be excellent to see families of all abilities enjoying these special places – there really is something for everyone here in Snowdonia.”

The latest footpaths to be recorded are: Llyn Tegid, Y Bala - south; Llyn Tegid, Y Bala – north; Tomen y Mur; Abergwyngregyn - Aber Falls Path; Llanfairfechan Trail; Fisherman’s Path and Cwm Bychan; Llyn Dinas; Janus Boardwalk; Crimpiau; Lôn Las Ogwen (Ogwen to Capel Curig); Precipice Walk; Cnicht Walk; Benar Boardwalk; Craig y Ddinas Walk; Llyn Traws Trail; River and Lake Path, Y Bala; Croesor circular walk.

More details on these footpaths can be found on the authority’s website, www.eryri-npa.gov.uk