Rescuers warned Cadair Idris is in full winter condition. Photo: Aberdyfi SRT

Rescuers in Snowdonia said a lost walker was fortunate a team member came across him by chance.

The 41-year-old got into difficulties in winter conditions on Cadair Idris on Monday.

Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team, which was alerted to the incident at noon, said the man was not appropriately equipped.

The team said the walker, an overseas visitor who had become stranded with relatives during lockdown, got lost on his descent from the summit and found himself struggling in deep snow.

Soon after the team was alerted, an Aberdyfi SRT member who was exercising on the mountain encountered the lost walker. He was cold but otherwise uninjured. The rescuer accompanied him off Cadair Idris, and his relatives collected him.

A team spokesperson said: “The mountains can be an enjoyable environment in a wide variety of conditions with good preparation, the correct equipment and appropriate skills.

“In full winter conditions as we saw today the level of hazard is significantly increased by the snow and ice, and an ice-axe and crampons would be considered essential in these circumstances.

“Navigation is more difficult once paths and other landmarks are obscured and, with low temperatures, the potential consequences of even a minor mishap are also greatly magnified.

“This man was not appropriately equipped for the prevailing conditions, and a small slip around the summit crags could have had very severe consequences. He was also not following the route he had described to his relatives, and consequently our search efforts would have initially concentrated on the wrong area.

“Only the chance encounter with a team member saved him from the prospect of a long wait in deep snow, for which he was not prepared. Luck was very much on his side today.”