The pair had summited Carnedd Dafydd. Photo: Philip Hallling CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two men tackling the 24-hour Welsh 3,000s challenge were rescued from a Snowdonia mountain after getting into difficulties in the darkness.

The pair, from the Wirral, chose the weekend of the forecast major storm to tackle the route, setting off from Pen y Pass at 6.30am on Sunday to climb Snowdon.

Chris Lloyd of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation, which was called out to help the men, in their early 30s, said the area was unusually free of the normal outdoor enthusiasts.

“The day after the clocks go back usually presents the team with callouts for those who have been caught by the early onset of darkness,” he said.

“But the weather had been poor on Sunday as per the forecast and the valley was empty of cars and no twinkling of headtorches on the tops when I left at about 7.30 pm.

“Unknown to us, two men were on the Welsh 3000s challenge. Earlier in the year, they had successfully completed the Three Peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, so the Welsh 3000s was to be another adventure.

“They planned the route and chose a weekend: this weekend.”

He said weather conditions were poor with bouts of low cloud and heavy showers but nothing like the weather in the South of England.

Mr Lloyd said: “By 10pm, they were leaving the Ogwen Valley for the final leg, the Carneddau.

“One of the men had historical problems with his knees so they were well strapped and supported for this venture. After all, he had managed the Three Peaks without a problem.

“They climbed Pen yr Ole Wen, and Carnedd Dafydd in deteriorating weather conditions. As they headed east, they became unsure of the footpath.

“They wisely returned to the point where they had lost it and realised that they were on route.

“However, it was difficult to find in the darkness, low cloud and frequent heavy showers.

“Added to this, the man with the knee problems was suffering.”

The pair rang 999 at 4am. Shortly afterwards a similar call was received from the concerned wife of one of them.

Mr Lloyd said rescuers lost mobile phone contact with them, so only had the brief information that had been communicated during the emergency phone call.

“Without a signal to the men, the Sarloc system could not be used to locate them,” he said.

“North Wales Police placed a note on their car and team members were deployed up to Carnedd Llewelyn, in case we were searching for a moving target.

“This search party worked their way back to the dog leg in the ridge heading to Dafydd.

“Meanwhile another search party headed up directly behind Oggie Base onto this ridge.”

The team requested help from the crew of RAF Valley’s Sea King search and rescue helicopter, which flew into the valley at dawn.

Mr Lloyd said: “However, with low cloud covering the mountains, strong gusting winds and frequent squalls of hail, they were unable to carry out an effective search.

“They parked up at Oggie Base to await a window in the weather.

“The second search party made the find on the ridge just west of the dog leg.

“When a team member blew his hunting horn into the gale and mists, he was greeted with shouts.

“One man was in good condition but his colleague was suffering from his experience. After being given hot drinks and warm clothing, they were able to slowly descend the steep wet grassy slopes.

“After reports of the find, 22 Squadron flew their Sea King half way up the mountainside to cloud base, where they found a landing zone.

“By about 8.30am, the two casualties and two team members were on board for a quick flight down to Oggie Base. Here they were met with hot tea, fresh toast, and a glowing wood burning stove.

“After a change of clothing, a re-fuel and re-heat they received a few words of advice from the team leader.

“Further advice might well have been given by the wife who came to collect the two men.”

• The team was called out later on Monday, about 4.30pm when a man suffered a suspected broken leg on Moel Siabod above Capel Curig.

The 55-year-old, from Somerset, was taking part in a speed orienteering session on the hillside but slipped on wet grass.

Mr Lloyd said: “The team drove two Land Rovers with a stretcher party high up the farmer’s track, but were met with the man hobbling with the help of his fellows.

“After some treatment and advice from the team doctor, they were brought down to the road by the Land Rovers. From there, the man was driven to hospital by his friends.”