Maintaining the Epynt Way
At first glance, military training and public access might seem incompatible activities. However, the MoD encourages the public to visit some of the special landscapes under its ownership unless there is conflicting operational or training requirements or safety or security limits.Construction of the Epynt Way - a long distance permissive bridle path that follows the perimeter of the 36,000 acre Sennybridge Training Area in mid-Wales - was undertaken to provide the public with excellent outdoor recreation facilities whilst minimising potential impacts on training.
The route attracts significant numbers of walkers and riders who enjoy the wild and rugged landscape of Myndd Epynt which, in turn, creates continual maintenance requirements which are carried out by Landmarc staff.
Ensuring that bridges, stiles and gates are fully functioning is part of the everyday work but occasionally larger schemes have to be put in place.
These include the use of “Corduroy Roads” which are used to provide dry and stable crossing points at the frequent wet and boggy sections that are inevitable in upland Wales. All of this work is carried out in a thoroughly sustainable manner utilising locally available materials and the expertise of Landmarc staff who deliver a simple and cost effective solution.