Rescuers stretcher the injured walker down the Minffordd steps. Photo: Aberdyfi SRT

Rescuers have praised passers-by who tried to help an injured walker on a Snowdonia mountain.

The woman, in her late 60s, slipped and jarred her back while on Cadair Idris on Thursday.

The walker, from Aberystwyth, was with a group heading for Llyn Cau. About 8am, shortly after beginning her trip, she slipped and landed heavily, jarring her back.

A spokesperson for Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team which was eventually called out to help the walker, said: “After taking a few moments to recover, the lady pressed on with her journey up the mountain, but as the day wore on she developed pain in her upper leg which grew progressively worse, particularly after a stop for lunch.

“It became increasingly difficult to bear weight on the leg and their progress off the mountain became very slow. Passers-by assisted the lady to a great extent, but it became evident that the steep terrain of the Minffordd steps was going to be a significant problem and a call was placed for mountain rescue.”

The Aberdyfi team was alerted about 4.15pm. The spokesperson said: “After discussion with and assessment of the casualty by team volunteers, it was decided that the best course of action would be to stretcher-carry her down the steep ground, an awkward process given the steep, rocky and narrow nature of the path.”

Team volunteer Graham O’Hanlon who took part in the rescue, said: “We were greatly impressed by the level of support given to this lady by passers-by, and would like to pass on her thanks to everyone who assisted her in getting off the mountain.”

The woman was driven by friends to Bronglais Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

The rescue involved 12 Aberdyfi SRT volunteers and ended about 7.15pm.