11 The upper viewpoint path was originally A a walking trail B a vehicle track C a farm road
12 What change is planned for the lower access road? A It will be closed to private cars B It will be widened C It will remain the same
13 What do visitors find most difficult? A long walking distances B lack of signs C uneven paths
14 What should visitors do before starting the walk? A check the weather forecast B book tickets online C hire a guide
15 What will happen to the shelter? A It will store emergency supplies B It will close permanently C It will stay open as a rest stop
Questions 16–18
Choose THREE answers from the box. Write the correct letter, A–D, next to Questions 16–18.
A closed part of the day B scenery changes often C allowed after dark D difficult to reach
16 Eagle Point ______ 17 River Lookout ______ 18 Sunset Ridge ______
Questions 19–20
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Which TWO new guided activities are available?
A bird watching B night photography C kayaking D forest cycling tours E rock climbing
Keys
11 B 12 A 13 C 14 A 15 C 16 A 17 B 18 C 19 B 20 D
Transcript
Part 2: You will hear a talk giving advice on how to reach several viewpoints in a national park.
Good morning, everyone, and thanks for joining us at Ridgeway National Park. I’m Sam Carter from visitor services, and my job today is to give you practical guidance for reaching the main viewpoints safely and with the least hassle.
To begin, a quick history lesson about the upper viewpoint route. It wasn’t built with hikers in mind. Years ago it served as a maintenance track so park vehicles could reach the ridge. When people discovered the panorama from the top, the authority decided to open the track to the public and install signposts. The route is considered safe, but it remains narrow in several stretches. Please keep to one side, allow others to pass, and try not to stop in the centre of the path.
Next, the lower access road is changing. Starting next month, private cars will no longer be permitted to drive up to the lower trailhead. Rather than widen the road, which would disturb the surrounding habitat, the park is introducing a shuttle bus from the main parking area. This will cut congestion and reduce pressure on wildlife corridors. Shuttles will operate at fifteen-minute intervals, and you can buy tickets at the visitor centre before you set off.
People often assume the challenge is simply the distance. However, recent visitor feedback tells a different story: the most common difficulty is the uneven surface underfoot. Stones, exposed roots, and sudden dips can be tiring, and after rainfall certain sections become slippery, increasing the chance of a fall. To make the walk safer, new handrails are being fitted along the steepest parts, and extra warning signs will be placed near sharp corners and hazard points.
So how should you prepare? We’re not asking you to invest in expensive specialist gear, but we do strongly recommend checking the weather forecast before you start. Mountain conditions can change quickly, and strong winds or heavy rain may make the paths unsafe. Comfortable shoes with good grip are a sensible choice, and carrying water is always wise, even on cooler days.
There’s also a small shelter near the river crossing. It will remain open for use, but it will no longer store emergency supplies. Think of it as a rest stop: you can sit, eat a snack, and then continue. Please take any rubbish with you when you leave.
Finally, a word about the three key viewpoints. Eagle Point is the highest, with a broad valley view, but afternoon gusts can be severe, so the viewing platform closes after 3 p.m. River Lookout is easier to reach and popular with families; the scenery shifts with the seasons, so many people come back several times a year. Sunset Ridge is the only viewpoint where staying after dark is allowed, which is why photographers love it.
Before I finish, two guided activities start next month: night photography sessions and forest cycling tours. Both are led by trained guides and can be booked online. Enjoy your visit, and walk carefully.
