Press release -
Ben Nevis on Google Street View
Google Street View goes to new heights in the UK, where anyone can now see the magnificent scenery and panoramic views of the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales using Street View from a phone, tablet or computer.
Hiking enthusiasts, or armchair travellers who just want to take in the impressive views, can use the technology for the first time to hike through the peaks of Snowdonia National Park, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.
Using the Google Trekker, a backpack that houses our camera system that enables the publication of 360 degree panoramic photography, volunteers trailed the areas surrounding the peaks, then ascending them via a variety of trails and pathways, to capture them on Street View for the world to enjoy.
Those who wish to do the trails themselves can now plan ahead, by visiting the trails to get an idea of the terrain (and which shoes to pack for the hike!), and scope out viewpoints along the way. Some travellers might want to pick a preferred route in which to ascend, and can do so when navigating their way around the six paths up Snowdon, or choosing one of the two routes covered up Scafell Pike, or seeing up-close the trail that ascends Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis. Users can also view the pristine natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park, including Cadair Idris, Cwm Idwal, Mawddach Trail, and Lôn Gwyrfa.
Laurian Clemence of Google UK said: “We are delighted to bring these three famous peaks to the world through Street View. These areas of outstanding natural beauty in Wales, England and Scotland can be viewed by anyone who is planning a specific visit, or for those who are simply interested in learning more about each peak, from the terrain and landscape, to the vegetation and views.”
David Buckett of The Highland Mountain Company said: “Looking at the route up will give people a true sense of what they are about to undertake, inspire them to try to get to the summit or be able to see what an achievement friends and family have made. There are not many other iconic mountains in the world that is as documented as Ben Nevis, this can only add to the appeal for people to visit the area.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “We’re delighted that the spectacular views from Britain’s highest peak, our very own Ben Nevis, can now be seen on Google Street View. Even those who haven’t climbed the mountain themselves can enjoy the amazing vistas and feel on top of the world!”
Street View imagery of the peaks and surrounding areas will be available directly from the Google Street View app or Google Maps from today.
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Notes to Editors
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- The organisation’s core objective is to contribute to the Tourism 2020 Strategy ambition of growing tourism revenues by £1 billion by 2020.
- This will be supported by seven overarching strategies:
- Marketing: we will market Scotland and its outstanding assets to visitors from all parts of the world, including the promotion of Scotland to people living in Scotland to visit different parts of the country
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- Internationalisation and International Engagement: we will utilise all our platforms to enable Scottish-based tourism businesses to better understand international opportunities and market to a global audience and we will work within One Scotland Partnerships to optimise the potential of Scotland’s Diaspora and our strategic partners at regional, European and global levels
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- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- According to a recent Deloitte study, the tourism economy supports 270,000 jobs in Scotland in 20,000 diverse businesses. The same study calculates that the tourism economy contributes £11 billion annually (direct and indirect impact, including day visits) and supports around 10 per cent of employment in Scotland. Almost 16 million tourists take overnight trips to Scotland.
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Year of Food and Drink 2015- 2015 is the Year of Food and Drink, a celebration of Scotland’s natural larder and the role that food and drink plays in shaping our economic success.
- Scotland generates over £2.5m per day through food and drink tourism.
- A series of themed months will create an appetite for key areas of Scotland’s food and drink industries – from seafood and whisky to berries and high-quality meat
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