Jonathan Attwell died in a fall from Snowdon

A range of mountaineering, sports and tourism experts will consider the issues and make recommendations to the Welsh Culture Minister Jenny Randerson.

The forum was created in response to a series of incidents, including the death of a 10-year-old boy during a scout trip to Snowdonia, north Wales.

Jonathan Atwell, from Bristol, fell 500ft to his death while at the back of a group hiking along the East Ridge of Snowdon in October 1999.

Former scoutmaster Peter Finlay, 51, was cleared of manslaughter following a trial in Caernarfon, north Wales, in October 2001.

Risk awareness

A Snowdonia National Park warden told the court the route was inappropriate for inexperienced walkers.

The case prompted the Scout Association to revise its guidelines on adventure activities.

Outdoor pursuits are good for tourism

An assembly debate on safety concerns was called by Labour AM Alan Pugh, followed by an emergency statement from Ms Randerson.

She announced the setting up of a forum to decide how best to warn the public about the risks involved in outdoor activities, and the need to be well prepared.

Ms Randerson said that while many participants may be attracted by the danger factor, positive action should be taken to reduce the number of accidents.

A week after the death of Jonathan Atwell on Snowdon, scout leader Christopher Oliver, 35, died after falling on nearby Cader Idris.

There has also been a series of deaths involving divers at the flooded Dorothea quarry, also in Snowdonia.

Safety warnings

The forum is chaired by Iain Peter, chief executive of the Mountain Training Trust at Plas-y-Brenin, north Wales.

He said the aim was to improve public awareness about safety issues, not to stop anyone enjoying outdoor pursuits.

Iain Peter urges people to take precautions

"The great thing about being a mountaineer in Britain is that there are hardly any limits or regulations as to what you can do.

"What I would like to see is that if people want to go in jeans, they're aware of all the dangers that involves.

"If they choose to carry on, then on their own head be it."

Mr Peter added that people ought to be prepared to spend money on appropriate training.

"People don't mind paying �1,000 to learn how to use a computer, and they don't mind paying �300 for a good waterproof jacket.

"But they do object to paying �150 for two days with board and accommodation to learn how to navigate."

The forum includes representatives from groups such as the Sports Council for Wales, the Mountain Rescue Committee, the Wales Tourist Board and the Welsh Canoe Association.

It will draw up a preliminary report with their recommendations by November 2002.