The walker fell near Bwlch Saehau. Photo: John Fielding CC-BY-SA-2.0
A walker who fell 100ft from Wales’s highest mountain was described by rescuers as incredibly fortunate.
The man came to rest on the very edge a large cliff when he fell after getting lost on Snowdon on Sunday.
Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team said the location had been the site of deaths when people had fallen previously.
The team was called out on Sunday afternoon after the walker got lost high on the Watkin Path.
A team spokesperson said he started ascending the steep section after Bwlch y Saethau before losing his way. “In his attempt to descend to safety he found himself on steep and technical terrain above the eastern end of Clogwyn y Garnedd,” the spokesperson said. “From this location he fell approximately 30m, coming to a stop on the very edge of a large cliff.
“Fortunately the walker was able to give a good description of his location to the team coordinator who directed teams to the area. Following a short search involving seven team members and a Sarda Wales search dog, the casualty was located.”
Rescuers had to rig up a rope system for a technical rescue from the steep ground.
The Llanberis MRT spokesperson said: “The team members involved in recovering the casualty described him as incredibly fortunate, with some having attended fatal incidents at that location previously.
“Fortunately, the casualty sustained only minor injuries following his fall: some minor lacerations to his hands and elbow.
“Following the roped rescue the casualty was walked down to below the cloud base where we were met by RAF 22 Squadron for helicopter evacuation back to our base in Nant Peris.
“It’s also worth noting, as 22 Squadron enter their final months of operation and approach their 10,000th rescue, that this may be one of the last times that we get to work with some of their flight crew.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to them for the immeasurable assistance that they have given us over the years and wish them all the best for the future.”
