The Idwal Slabs. Photo: Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation

Three climbers had to be rescued after getting into difficulties in failing light.

The two women and a man, all in their 20s and from Nottingham, called for help after completing a climb on the Idwal Slabs in Snowdonia.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation was alerted about 7pm yesterday, Saturday, and went to the aid of the trio.

The climbers had set off at midday to tackle the Charity route on the crag north of Glyder Fawr, a 145m (470ft) climb rated Very Difficult.

Chris Lloyd of the Ogwen team said: “They left their rucksacks at the base of the crag and climbed this V Diff in rockclimbing shoes. The three took a bit longer than planned on this multi-pitch route.

“They successfully found the difficult walk ‘up and off’ from the top of the crag and set up an abseil for the final escape down to the gully.

“Unfortunately, the abseil rope became jammed. In failing light and with only one torch, they decided to abandon the rope and make their way down to the foot of the Idwal Slabs passing under Suicide Wall.

“The path is not very distinct especially at night and rock climbing shoes are not the best footwear here. The ground is steep, loose and vegetated and has a number of rock steps.

“They became concerned about the wisdom of progressing so rightly telephoned for assistance.”

Two parties from the OVMRO went to the scene, one making its way to the climbers and the other to retrieve their rucksacks.

The team lit the way down and guided them to safety.

They were taken, uninjured, to the rescue team’s base for hot drinks at about 9pm.

Mr Lloyd added: “Climbing a multi-pitch route as a rope of three does take longer than two on a rope on a one- or two-pitch route.

“It was fortunate that one of the group had had the foresight to take a torch.”