Normally in good conditions they’d have been able to negotiate that, but with a few pockets of ice and declining deteriorating light they thought it was too dangerous to attempt so they telephoned for assistance,” rescuer Chris Lloyd told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
Mr Lloyd, who been part of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue for almost 50 years, said demand had risen sharply since Covid.
“We have had, since the end of lockdown, more people coming out to the mountains. And a lot of people have little or no experience.” he said.
He also warned that social media was providing greater publicity, but also contributing to risky behaviour.
“We note on social media people sort of advertising ‘well I’m going up there, anyone want to join me’?
“And you have no idea whether this person’s got any qualifications at all, or any leadership qualifications… and people are just meeting up and venturing into the blue yonder and sometimes it’s beyond their capabilities and certainly beyond some of the equipment they’ve got, or lack of equipment.”
Rescuers are also increasingly encountering hikers without suitable equipment.
“Basic trainers and going up in the mountains in shorts in bad weather is not a good idea,” explained Mr Lloyd.
“And if you’re venturing out into the great outdoors, do carry a torch and that’s not just the one on your mobile phone.”