Tryfan, scene of the rescue. Photo: Terry Hughes CC-BY-SA-2.0

Tryfan, scene of the rescue. Photo: Terry Hughes CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two men were airlifted from a Snowdonia mountain after getting stuck on steep ground.

The pair had taken a wrong route while descending Tryfan and ended up unable to go either up or down.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation members were alerted about 3.15pm on Saturday after the pair, from Staffordshire, reported themselves cragfast on the West Face of the 918m (3,010ft) mountain.

Chris Lloyd of the rescue team said: “Unfortunately, we were unable to get in touch with them so dispatched a couple of team members to the layby on the A5 road to scan the West Face.

“Two people were located in a gully between the Milestone Buttress and Wrinkled Slabs. Two team members were dispatched up the mountain and were guided towards these two men from the spotter at the A5.

“Although dry, there was a chilling light breeze. The men had reported being very cold. Also, dusk would soon be upon us.

“Initially, we had to get team members to the scene and stabilise the situation. There was a chance that the two would have to be lowered or raised out of the gully, so more team members were dispatched with 100m ropes towards the top of the gully.

“But with failing light and that cool breeze, time was not in our favour. It was decided to ask for helicopter assistance.”

A Sea King crew from RAF Valley flew to the scene and joined the rescue operation.

Mr Lloyd said: “The advanced party had reached the two young men, who were in their early and mid-twenties, and were able to guide the aircraft in for a snatch. With great skill, the captain was able to position the aircraft directly above the pair and the winchman could easily winch the pair to safety.

“They were flown to Oggie Base for a warm up and de-briefing, while the two ground parties – ten troops – and the spotter made their way back.

“The two men had not been on the mountain before. On their scramble up the ridge they decided to turn back.

“Sadly, they were distracted from their ascent route by a track which leads down this treacherous gully – not an escape route.

“Once stuck beyond the point of no return, they made the right decision to seek help as they were not equipped for a cool night on the mountain.”

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