Alex Kendall – författare

This provocative text considers the state of media and cultural studies today after the demolition of the traditional media paradigm, and engages with the new, active consumer culture. Media Studies, particularly within schools, has until recently been concerned with mass media and the effects of ‘the media’ in society and on people. As new media technology has blurred the boundaries between the audience and the media, the status of this area of education is threatened. Whilst some have called for a drastic re-think (Media Studies 2.0), others have called for caution, arguing that the power dynamics of ownership and gatekeeping are left intact. This book uses cultural and technological change as a context for a more forensic exploration of the traditional dependence on the idea of ‘the media’ as one homogenous unit. It suggests that it would be liberating for students, teachers and academics to depart from such a model and shift the focus to people and how they create culture in this contemporary ‘mediascape’.

This provocative text considers the state of media and cultural studies today after the demolition of the traditional media paradigm, and engages with the new, active consumer culture. Media Studies, particularly within schools, has until recently been concerned with mass media and the effects of ‘the media’ in society and on people. As new media technology has blurred the boundaries between the audience and the media, the status of this area of education is threatened. Whilst some have called for a drastic re-think (Media Studies 2.0), others have called for caution, arguing that the power dynamics of ownership and gatekeeping are left intact. This book uses cultural and technological change as a context for a more forensic exploration of the traditional dependence on the idea of ‘the media’ as one homogenous unit. It suggests that it would be liberating for students, teachers and academics to depart from such a model and shift the focus to people and how they create culture in this contemporary ‘mediascape’.

Discover the sparkling mountain streams, dramatic valleys, lush wooded hillsides, and expansive moorland along the Snowdonia Way, a remarkable long-distance trail winding through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Spanning 156km (97 miles) from Machynlleth in the south to Conwy in the north, this iconic route leads you through a landscape steeped in history, from ancient druids and Roman invaders to the legends of King Arthur and the great Welsh princes. Perfect for adventurous walkers able to tackle a day on rolling terrain with a backpack, this comprehensive guidebook breaks the Snowdonia Way into 6 manageable daily stages, including an alternative high-level route through the mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating relics of the region’s industrial heritage, spot wildlife and cascading waterfalls, and enjoy welcoming pubs and cafés. The Snowdonia Way is described from Machynlleth in the south to Conwy in the north, with each stage featuring 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps to guide you confidently through the key towns, villages, and landscapes along the route.Stage-by-stage route descriptions lead you from the historic market town of Machynlleth, through vibrant communities such as Beddgelert and Bethesda, to the castle town of Conwy on the north coast.Opt for the alternative 9-stage high-level route to traverse Eryri’s most dramatic mountains, summiting iconic peaks like Cadair Idris near Dolgellau, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) above Llanberis, Cnicht, and the Glyders, while experiencing breathtaking views across Snowdonia’s heartland.Clear, step-by-step directions are supported by detailed maps and downloadable GPX files, ensuring easy navigation whether you’re crossing open moorland above Machynlleth or descending to the coastal walls of Conwy, using either GPS devices or smartphone apps.Each stage provides distance, walking time, ascent, terrain summary, and highlights of the route, helping you plan every step from Machynlleth to Conwy and the villages and valleys in between.Detailed 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps offer precise navigation on every stage, whether you’re navigating the foothills above Dolgellau, the wooded valleys near Beddgelert, or the open ridges leading to Conwy.Each stage lists refreshment stops and accommodation options in welcoming towns and villages along the way, including Machynlleth, Dolgellau, Beddgelert, Bethesda, and the historic walled town of Conwy, so you can rest and refuel throughout your adventure. Plan your Snowdonia Way adventure with confidence and experience the best of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park with this definitive guidebook to one of Wales’ finest long-distance walks.

Beneath the dramatic peaks of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), northern Eryri (Snowdonia National Park) unfolds with glacial valleys, tranquil rivers, wooded forests and a wild coastline, offering stunning scenery at every turn. From the Ogwen and Conwy Valleys to the Gwydyr Forest and the Vale of Ffestiniog, this region provides low-level walking opportunities suitable for walkers of all abilities. Snowdonia: 30 Low-level and Easy Walks – North presents 30 low-level routes, most circular, ranging from 4–22 km (2–14 miles) and taking 1–7 hours to complete. Designed for walkers seeking manageable terrain, the guidebook covers areas including the north coast, lower Conwy Valley, Betws-y-Coed, Gwydyr Forest, Snowdon and the Ogwen Valley, and the Vale of Ffestiniog and the west. Each walk includes clear step-by-step route descriptions and 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps to make navigating Snowdonia simple and confidentInformation on terrain, access, and local facilities is provided, such as parking and refreshments, in key locations such as Conwy, Tal-y-bont and PorthmadogDiscover the rich history, geology and wildlife of northern Snowdonia, from the rivers and valleys of Conwy in spring to the wooded slopes and mountains of the Ogwen Valley in autumn, making every walk a worthwhile experience, no matter the seasonDownloadable GPX files are available as an additional digital navigation option as you walk and explore the Gwydyr Forest, the coast or the mountains Part of a two-part volume set, an accompanying guidebook, Snowdonia: Low-level and Easy Walks — South, is also available to extend your Snowdonia adventure Northern Snowdonia’s diverse landscapes—from coastal paths and wooded valleys to riverside trails and glacial landforms—reveal something new at every turn. With this Cicerone guidebook in hand, walkers can explore the region fully prepared, enjoying the scenery, history and culture of one of Wales’ most iconic national parks.