Travel magazine, Wunderlust, has included Ben Nevis on its list of 10 worldwide destinations in need of greater care.
The magazine says that the popularity of challenges featuring the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis is harming the three mountains.
Wanderlust says the high number of people completing the national three peaks has resulted in litter, erosion and night time disturbance to local communities for all three of the mountains which it has placed on its list of endangered destinations. Wunderlust has called for the number of entrants to official challenges to be limited.
The magazine says: “In their rush to reach the summits of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis within 24-hours, participants leave litter, drive dangerously, disturb local residents’ sleep and contribute little to local communities. Many are ill-prepared for the challenging conditions, stretching already overworked rescue services.”
Wunderlust’s Endangered Destinations for 2011 also includes the Wadi Rum in Jordan, Riga in Latvia and Madagascar.