Mountain rescue services look set to see hikes in VAT as of next year after the government opposed a move to introduce a tax freeze for charities, without which it is thought will cost the peak-side volunteer teams – possibly helping those walking in Snowdonia – an extra £28,000 annually.

According to Grough, this matter led to the closest Commons vote thus far in the new parliament, with Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron both championing for the refunding of the teams’ VAT and voting alongside the coalition to prevent Labour’s treasury committee capping tax.

And Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury, voted to throw out the amendment but prior to the general election said: "It has never been right that a vital service which relies on donations from the public and extraordinary commitment from volunteers gets hit by the government for a sizeable tax payment."

Earlier this week, the news source reported that George Osborne’s planned to include charities in the expanded VAT rate of 20 per cent.

People who are planning to go walking in Snowdonia this summer may be glad to hear that a brand new potentially lifesaving device has been installed at the summit of Snowdon.

Thanks to a joint scheme initiated by the Welsh Ambulance Service, Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Arrhythmia Alliance and AED Locator, a Public Access Defibrillator is to be placed in Hafod Eryi in a bid to help any life-threatening emergency rescue attempts.

The remote device can be used to assist patients who are on or near the summit until professional medical assistance arrives at the scene.

Some 3000 volunteers have been trained by the Ambulance Service to man the current 34 defibrillators placed across walking routes in Wales.

National manager of the Public Access Defibrillator Scheme (PADS), Gerard Rothwell, said: "The summit is such an ideal place to have a PADS site due to the massive amount of people who visit it each year."

Meanwhile, Grough reported earlier this week that members of the Labour party will challenge the government’s planned VAT increase on mountain rescue teams.

Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills offer ramblers the ideal destination for a walking holiday at all times and for all ages thanks to its vast array of activity options 12 months a year.

According to travelbite.co.uk, the region can be enjoyed by walkers of any age group and ability thanks to the fact that it has trails and peaks ranging from difficulties that would challenge the most experienced rambler or fellwalker to more gentle options that can be easily negotiated by children and adults alike.

The range of mountains and hills form part of the northern area of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and rise to a point of 1758 feet above sea level at their highest point, which is known as Foel Cwmcerwyn, information-britain.org notes.

They represent one of Britain’s most historically significant mountain ranges as they were a major contributor to Wales’ slate industry and were extensively quarried at the time when the nation was at its industrial peak.

Remnants of the area’s slate industry can still be found throughout the region, with old quarries found regularly across the landscape. Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire offers a nod to its past by maintaining a slate workshop in the Llangolman region which still manufactures craft items using the material that, along with industries such as coal, formed the backbone of the Welsh economy in years gone by.

In fact, the Preseli Hills have a major claim to fame in so far as the bluestone rocks form the world-renowned Wiltshire landmark Stonehenge are known to originate from there.

Today, the hills are a magnificent sight and offer a genuine taste of true British scenic beauty.

Travelbite.co.uk goes on to state that, on a clear day, views from the summit of the peaks stretch as far as the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, as well as Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Bristol Channel.

If it’s breathtaking sights you’re after, the Preseli Hills could be your dream walking destination.

Other must-see parts of the area include the several burial cairns and earthworks in the Hills that date back to the Iron Age, as well as the many standing stones and forts.

The region is laced with history as well as walking charm, making it a very good option for families who enjoy both a relaxing stroll as well as sampling interesting facts and items that are thought to be from as far back as prehistoric times.

Also, the Golden Road ancient path – which was originally forged as a route for tradesmen when dangerous animals still roamed the hills – is well worth a visit as it is thought that the Carn Menyn tor nearby is the source of the aforementioned Stonehenge material.

On top of the fantastic walking options and history, the Preseli Hills can also be said to be one of the country’s primary hotspots for spotting wildlife – particularly in the winter season.

Birds such as sparrow hawks, buzzards, kestrels and skylarks are regular visitors to the region, meaning that walkers might be advised to take a pair of binoculars with them to the Hills.

The government’s plans to increase the rate of VAT paid by mountain rescue teams is to be challenged by members of the opposition, it was revealed over the weekend (July 10th).

Grough reports that chancellor George Osborne’s plans to include charities such as mountain rescue outfits in the government’s expanded VAT rate of 20 per cent is to be met with strong opposition by Labour MPs, with shadow chancellor Alistair Darling and his team having already tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill.

The legislation is set to be analysed by a committee this week and if Labour’s amendment is successful, the non-business areas of a charity – such as mountain rescues – would have their tax rate frozen at the current level.

Meanwhile, the Ramblers last week (July 8th) warned that walkers in the UK could be on the verge of facing the loss of their favourite routes and trails due to the governmental spending cuts announced in the emergency Budget last month.

Ramblers has warned yesterday (July 8th) that walkers in the UK could face their favourite route being lost forever due to municipal spending cuts.

Britain’s largest and most well-known walking charity – which has 125,000 members nationwide – has launched a new campaign entitled Dead End where it has pledged to highlight the most pressing issues in the country’s walking community as councils across the nation continue to cut and reduce their rights of way budgets.

The campaign is designed to urge these authorities to reprioritise the needs of pedestrians and walkers and also offers advice and expertise for concerned people from specialist volunteers.
Rachel Alcock, campaigns officer for the charity, commented: "By neglecting paths, councils risk damaging people’s basic ability to get from A to B."

She went on to state that walking is a low-cost leisure activity which can provide essential de-stressing qualities in these difficult financial times.

Meanwhile, it was reported by Grough yesterday that Scotland’s Cairn Gorm funicular will again have its own transportation system for visitors.

Troubles that have dogged the history of the Cairn Gorm funicular may now be at an end as the Highland Council and Scottish Natural Heritage have taken the decision to open the transportation system once again.

Now, walkers will be allowed to use the train to reach the summit of one of the highest mountains in Scotland as part of a trial – called Walk @ the Top – that will see visitors to the area go on a 90-minute hike around the skiing region and up on the 1,244 m peak, Grough reports.

Excursions are running from July 17th until October 31st and Ian Whitaker, chief executive of CML which is involved in the trips, noted that all expeditions are to be "carefully managed and monitored".

"This will considerably enhance the visitor experience at CairnGorm Mountain. Through this type of activity, visitors become fully engaged with the mountain landscape," he went on to observe.

Walking enthusiasts can also make use of self-guided networks of footpaths and well-marked trails that go past the mountain garden.