Snowdon 4x4 driver: 'It was on my list of things to do' - Grough

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The latest addition to Wales's highest mountain remains stuck a few hundred metres below the summit as the national park authority ponders how to remove the unwelcome unofficial tourist attraction.

It emerged today that a 39-year-old man had driven the maroon Vauxhall Frontera pickup up Snowdon on Saturday did it because 'it was on his list of 50 things to do before you die'.

Craig Williams, of Gloucestershire, left the vehicle next to the main Llanberis path and just a few metres from the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

He told the BBC he hoped to be allowed to drive the pickup back down the mountain and admitted people might think his venture had been irresponsible.

A spokesperson for Snowdonia National Park Authority said: "The authority supports the views expressed by the Llanberis mountain rescue team.

"This sort of incident is unacceptable and shows a lack of responsibility on behalf of the individual or individuals involved.

"Along with the obvious dangers posed by this type of incident, it could cause damage to the footpath and landscape, which means added work for the Snowdon footpath teams.

"In respect of the severity of the incident, the Snowdonia national park encourages the police to take firm action against the owner of the vehicle.

"The Snowdonia national park will co-operate fully with the Snowdon Mountain Railway Company to ensure the vehicle is removed from the mountain."

The authority and the railway company are considering various options for removal of the 4×4, including winching it off by helicopter, driving it up a ramp on to one of the railway's trucks, or driving it down.

• North Wales Police said in a statement today: "The 39-year-old man from the Cheltenham area, who drove a 4×4 vehicle on to Snowdon over the weekend, has been charged with driving a vehicle on common land or moorland or land not part of a road.

"He has been bailed to appear at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on 16 September 16."

A motor vehicle did reach the top of the 1,085m (3,560ft) mountain in May 1904, following a failed attempt four months earlier. Another attempt, driving up the railway, was filmed by British Pathé and is believed to have taken place in 1917 or 1918.