The group had summited Crib Goch and was making its way down to Nant Peris. Photo: John Lynch CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two men tackling the Welsh 3,000s challenge were airlifted from the mountains after falling 200ft.

The pair had set off early on Saturday morning with friends to attempt the round of Snowdonia’s 15 peaks above 3,000ft.

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team was called out after the pair suffered suspected spinal and neck injuries, along with cuts and bruises in the fall when they were descending after summiting Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain and Crib Goch.

Rob Johnson, the rescue team’s co-ordinator, said: “In their descent to Nant Peris one male lost his footing and began a tumbling fall on steep ground.

“Unfortunately this fall dislodged a large boulder that then hit his friend below him, causing him to take a similar tumbling fall.

“Both men fell an estimated 200ft and were brought to a halt by a stone wall.

“They were treated at the scene for suspected neck and spinal injuries as well as cuts and bruises by members of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team and 22 Squadron [from RAF Valley] who then airlifted them to Ysbyty Gwynedd [in Bangor].”

Mr Johnson added: “The men were well equipped and experienced walkers who were simply unfortunate and as a rescue team we were happy to be able to help them.”

The circuit of the Welsh 3,000s is a tough, 24-hour challenge involving the summiting of the three peaks in the Snowdon massif plus Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Tryfan, Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewelyn, Yr Elen, Foel Grach, Garnedd Uchaf and Foel-fras.