Memorials in the Mountains

How to Honour Loved Ones While Respecting the Environment

Losing a loved one affects us deeply. As part of the grieving process, we often want to honour the memory of the departed and demonstrate how much they meant to us. We do this in all kinds of ways.

One of the most popular involves honouring them in a special place that meant a lot to them. For many people, that is the mountains.

However, not all memorials are as friendly to the environment we love as they could be. We recognise that grief, mourning and memorials are complex and emotionally charged issues. But we also wanted to discuss how people can honour loved ones while respecting the mountain environment. Hopefully, this guide provides valuable guidance and advice on how you can do so.

Ashes to ashes – scattering ashes in the mountains

Scattering a loved one’s ashes in a place that was personally important to them is becoming increasingly popular. It can be a wonderful way for families and friends to say goodbye to those who played a significant role in their lives.

However, there are a few factors to consider. Though no law prevents the scattering of ashes, you do need to seek the landowner’s permission. In National Parks, like Eryri (Snowdonia), you also need to contact the relevant National Park Authority.

With National Park Authorities, there is no hard-and-fast rule or written policy. This means decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and the outcome may depend on the specifics of your request. For instance, asking to scatter your loved one’s ashes on the summit of Yr Wyddfa in the height of the summer season might have less chance of success than a less busy part of the mountain.

In 2018, the Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) urged people to consider other options, as the large number of people doing so was disrupting the soil chemistry (WalesOnline). It is also important to note that National Park Authorities do not necessarily own the land they manage and look after, so you may need to request permission from two parties.

Permanent memorials leave a mark

Permanent memorials are everywhere in the urban environment. Be it park benches, plaques or statues, we often remember the departed by erecting a visible, long-lasting dedication. So we understand why some people want to honour their loved ones by erecting such memorials on mountains.

However, most people who use and enjoy the mountain environment consider permanent memorials an intrusion on the natural landscape. The absence of human construction, the unfiltered nature and the beautiful wilderness are what we value in these spectacular environments. Unfortunately, permanent memorials detract from that.

It also comes down to a question of space and purpose. If just a dozen people were to create permanent memorials on the summit of Yr Wyddfa, it would drastically alter the nature of the peak. Do we want our mountain tops to become memorials?

Finally, it is always worth asking whether a permanent memorial is what your loved one would have wanted. If they loved the mountains, they probably appreciated them for their natural beauty. Would they approve or want you to change that by erecting a permanent memorial in their name?

Leave no trace principles

To honour a loved one’s memory, many people want to leave little reminders of that person on the mountain. This often means a small, prized possession, a trinket or some other token.

However, unless these items are entirely biodegradable, they will remain on the mountainside for a long, long time. To most people, they will have no meaning and will be considered rubbish.

As a result, they may be collected and disposed of or simply frowned upon by those who pass. Either way, it is probably not how you want your loved one to be honoured. A memorial should be a positive reminder of their life, not be weighed down with negative connotations.

With this in mind, we believe memorials should follow the same “leave no trace” or “pack-in, pack-out” principles we expect hikers to follow. In other words, we should not leave anything we bring into the mountain environment on the mountain and should ensure we pack everything up and remove it when we leave. This includes small memorials and reminders.

Three excellent, eco-friendly ways to honour loved ones

If you are looking for alternative, eco-friendly ways to honour a loved one, we have three excellent ideas for you:

1. Donate time to footpath/trail maintenance

Keen walkers know how essential good footpaths are for accessing spectacular landscapes like those in Eryri and protecting the local environment. Yet few people realise just how much work goes into building and maintaining those trails.

Consequently, we think one of the best ways to honour your loved one is to donate your time and energy to a trail maintenance organisation. The Snowdonia Society, for instance. What better way to pay your respects than ensuring others can enjoy access to the mountain landscapes your loved one adored?

2. Hike to honour their memory

They say actions speak louder than words. So, rather than build a permanent monument with an inscription, why not hike to honour your loved one’s memory? Following in the departed’s footsteps and connecting with their passion is a fantastic way to show how much they meant to you. You can read a touching account of one woman’s experience of doing this on the Washington Trails Association website.

While some people choose to make this a personal activity, others use it as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for a good cause.

3. Eco-friendly gifting

You also have the option to give back to the environment your loved one enjoyed by participating in an eco-friendly gifting initiative. This might mean donating money to tree-planting programmes or projects that aim to enhance and protect the local environment.

Talking to Climb Snowdon

At Climb Snowdon, we care deeply about Eryri and the local environment. And we also understand how much this place means to people. If you want to discuss ways you can honour a loved one’s memory – whether that is organising a group hike, taking on an outdoor challenge or simply visiting one of their favourite Eryri locations – get in touch with the team and we will be more than happy to help.