When you take people off drugs and when they spend all day thinking about drugs, you have to out something back into their lives

Carol Moore, Probation Officer

The Conservative AM for Mid and West Wales, Glyn Davies, claimed the scheme could "encourage bad behaviour".

"I'm not against introducing mechanisms to bring young people who have offended back on the straight and narrow, but this sounds to me to be far and away over the top."

The activities at Plas-y-Brenin National Mountain Centre, in Snowdonia have been organised through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme.

A total of 80 convicted drug users pass through the system each year.

Drug tests

Carol Moore, the north Wales probation service's chief officer, said: "When you take people off drugs and when they spend all day thinking about drugs, you have to out something back into their lives.

"This is just one part of a demanding and comprehensive programme.

Carol Moore says it is not a soft option

"We are making a lot of progress with some drug offenders."

The exercise regime is part of the Drug and Testing Order introduced 18 months ago.

Under the order, made by the courts, addicts must remain drug free, report to probation officers and drug workers.

Their saliva is also tested on a regular basis to ensure they have not been taking any illegal substances.

Only then, can they attend the outdoor pursuits centre at Capel Curig.

Around half of the offenders who have experienced the programme have given up and gone to jail.

Glyn Davies thinks the scheme is "over the top"

But those who have succeeded have made progress in living a crime-free life.

David Jones, a member of the Conservative Party from Llandudno has backed the initiative.

"The scheme seems to be quite character building, this isn't an expensive thing," he said.

Mr Jones added: "I have no problem with them going to Plas-y-Brenin, I would object if they were off to St Tropez."