The trio got lost near the summit of Cnicht. Photo: Keith Evans CC-BY-SA-2.0

A walker in shorts was among an ill equipped trio who had to be rescued in atrocious weather on a Snowdonia mountain.

The three walkers, in their 50s and on holiday from Bedfordshire, got lost near the summit of Cnicht yesterday, Saturday.

The group rang 999 and Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 5.15pm.

The team said there was heavy rainfall with gusts of wind forecast for the late afternoon and evening.

A team spokesperson said: “The group set off from Croesor at 1pm, and had successfully summited the peak but became lost on their descent.

“The group located a shelter forming part of the Rhosydd Quarry, and decided to call for assistance

“An attempt was made to talk them off the hill, but owing to the group being shivering with cold a callout was initiated to search for them.”

A dozen volunteer members of the team took part in a search lasting more than five hours.

The spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the group was inadequately equipped for the conditions with a lack of warm clothing, food or further provisions.

“One member of the group wore a pair of shorts, which clearly were not a suitable choice of clothing given the forecast weather conditions.”

The spokesperson said the group was found at the top of the incline at Cwm Croesor, and walked by the team to safety and into the warmth of the team’s two Land Rover ambulances.

The group were then escorted back to the Aberglaslyn MRT Porthmadog base to be checked by the Wales Ambulance Service.

The rescue ended at 11pm.