The walkers got lost on Cadair Idris. Photo: NotFromUtrecht CC-BY-SA-3.0
A mountain rescuer reminded hillgoers to act responsibly when heading into the high ground, after a couple had to be brought to safety when they got lost on a Snowdonia peak.
Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team used the Sarloc smartphone system to pinpoint the position of the husband and wife, in their 20s, on Cadair Idris.
Their location was confirmed when they found a grid reference plaque.
The team was called out about 7.30pm on Monday to search for the Suffolk couple. The pair climbed the mountain via the Minffordd path, reached the summit and began their descent but got lost in low cloud and drizzle. It then began to get dark.
A team spokesperson said: “Neither had clothing or equipment suitable for the mountain environment or the forecast weather conditions.
“As rescue volunteers made their way up both sides of the mountain, team call-handlers were able to make use of the Sarloc smartphone protocol to get a location for the pair, and this information was confirmed when the pair came across one of the national park grid-reference discs placed on fences and stiles around the mountain.
“With this information to hand, rescuers were directed to the cold, wet but otherwise uninjured pair, and having been dressed in warm dry clothing, they were escorted down off the mountain.
“Everyone was safely back at vehicles by 11pm.”
Volunteer Graham O’Hanlon, who took part in the rescue, said: “The mountains can be an enjoyable environment in a wide range of weather conditions, but it is the responsibility of those heading into the hills to equip themselves and have the navigational skill to cope with the expected conditions along with some provision for if things do not go to plan.”
Helen Lewis
14 October 2017Time to make them pay: they might put a bit more thought into it then. The weather has been horrendous for ages and to be up there without proper clothing or navigational skills is beyond comprehension. They think all they need is a bloody phone - and it is because you go and save them!
Dee Muray
14 October 2017So dissappointed in people who have no clue as to how to dress and prepare for a mountain walk. As recent as Oct 4th the rescue team had to look for a French man who unfortunately perished on Cader Idris. We happened to pass that day and witnssed the manpower involved in the search. Where is their common sense. It you expect to be rescued then you must also be prepared to pay.
Kevin Lye
14 October 2017Clowns rescued by giants!
Thank you for your services to all members of the mountain rescue teams
Billy Manson
15 October 2017I get looked at by folks sometimes when I'm heading out into the hills, like I'm an idiot cos I have a bag full of stuff... I always take a tent, storm shelter AND survival blanket with me, as well as food for two days, a towel, gas stove, water, sleeping bag and whisky... :D
A walk of 7 or 8 miles can easily turn into a matter of life and death, so I don't see the problem with being prepared. I'd support a charge for folks who are not deemed to be properly kitted out for the environment and conditions.
heidi
16 October 2017Like you Billy, I take a rucksack full of stuff and see some people with little satchels which cant possibly have extra clothes or food let alone emergency shelter. One time I was in snow with crampons on and carrying my ice axe and this guy with no crampons or axe looked at me like I was an idiot and said 'do you need the ice pick'. well at that moment no, but I would have needed it if I'd slipped! People just seem to think the MRT are a substitute for training and equipment. I get sick of hearing about them
Margaret
16 October 2017"Being answerable for your own actions should be the basic prerequisite of any mountain experience." R Messner