The scramblers retreated down Tryfan's North Ridge before getting stuck. Photo: Richard Webb CC-BY-SA-2.0

Four men were rescued from a Snowdonia scrambling route after getting stuck retreating from a ridge.

The men in their early 20s and from Cheshire called for help when they got into difficulties on the North Ridge of Tryfan yesterday.

A rescuers’ spokesman said they had ‘more enthusiasm than experience’. Chris Lloyd of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation said they arrived in the area about 9am.

“Using their photocopied map and notes from a guide book, they set off on an adventure to conquer the notorious North Ridge,” he said.

“After four hours of ascent, they came to the North Tower. They felt that this scramble might be too much of a challenge.

“Their map had become illegible due to the weather, so rightly decided to re-trace their steps so they could return on another day.

“Now while all footpaths on Tryfan lead to the summit, in reverse, they don’t all lead to a safe return to the road.

“After a couple of hours of picking their way down, they arrived at the top of Milestone Buttress, the roadside climbers’ playground.

“It was now time to dial 999 and ask for advice.

“The team leader drove from home and up the Ogwen valley to Oggi Base, passing the four who were sitting patiently awaiting rescue.”

Mr Lloyd said three team members made their way to a position above the group and set up a rope handrail. “The four easily made their way back up to safe ground and walked down to their car on the A5.”

On Sunday, team members went to the aid of a walker lost while tackling the Welsh 3,000s challenge.

The man drove from London to a base in Llanberis and had already completed three peaks on Snowdon and five in the Glyderau.

Mr Lloyd said: “By late afternoon he was climbing on to the Carneddau. After leaving the main ridge to tick off Yr Elen, he returned to Carnedd Llewelyn.

“Despite clear visibility, he made a navigational error and found himself descending to Bwlch Eryl Farchog between Cwm Eigiau and Ffynnon Llugwy.

“This did not match the description of the 14 peaks so he telephoned for advice.

“With limited information and loss of communications with the man, the team leader decided to deploy troops to all four corners of the Carneddau to round him up.

“He was found walking down ‘MacAlpine’s Highway’ from Ffynnon Llugwy to the A5 in Ogwen by three team members.

“After a debrief and tea at Oggi Base, he was delivered back to his accommodation in Llanberis.”