We fully understand why people would want to leave memorials to loved ones at a place like the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa); even more so if the mountain itself was special to them.
However, memorials are not natural in the wild environment, and in time deteriorate and just become unsightly litter, so are not encouraged. In fact, the Authority has a stated policy of removing plaques, memorials and momentos from Snowdon.
As regards the leaving or scattering of ashes, this too should be avoided as ashes change the fragile soil’s natural low acidic ‘ph’ level, encouraging the growth of non-indigenous vegetation. This is clearly not appropriate on Snowdon where much of the land is designated as an SSSI (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) or an NNR (a National Nature Reserve).
Moreover, given the usual crowds and lack of privacy at the summit, other peaks or areas might be felt more appropriate, though permission from the landowner should still always be sought before scattering ashes (virtually all of Snowdon is private land), and the previous note regarding areas of conservation still applies.
Alternatively, a loved one can be acknowledged by making a donation to the Park Authority, specifically to help with the upkeep of areas within the National Park.
For more, see the National Park Authority’s statement on memorials and scattering ashes.
In addition, the BMC (British Mountaineering Council) have stated the following, particularly with regard to cairns:
“The BMC does not support the use of waymarks, cairns or other intrusive features, other than those traditionally established on summits and path junctions. Some cairns are important landmarks but most are an unnecessary intrusion and detract from the character of a wild and remote setting. Adding stones to existing cairns, and particularly building new ones exacerbates erosion and is the mountain equivalent of graffiti, so please don’t do it. (Returning the stones to the ground helps stabilise the topsoil, encourages vegetation to grow and reduces erosion.) Sometimes a stone will be placed in memory of a loved one, and whilst we sympathise with the grief that the bereaved feel, memorial artefacts should not be a feature of the mountain landscape and anyway nothing should be done without formal landowner consultation and agreement.”
Ashes scattered at the summit