Team members set up the rope system. Photo: Aberdyfi SRT

Rescuers said an incident in which a walker became stuck on steep ground on a Snowdonia mountain could have ended very badly.

Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team advised hill-goers to have the skills and gear for winter trips to the mountains.

The team was alerted shortly before 4pm on Monday to a walker lost on Cadair Idris.

A team spokesperson said: “The man, in his 30s and from Essex, had spent the day walking on the mountain, but without map or compass had become disorientated in the low cloud.

“Using PhoneFind protocols, the man’s position on steep ground above Llyn Cau was established, and further conversations with the walker established that he was stuck and unable to proceed.

“A hasty party was dispatched to make contact with the man, but was unable to reach him with the equipment carried. As a second party brought up more technical kit, and the possibility of air support was explored, although the low cloud meant that this was not possible.”

Team members set up a rope system to enable the man to be helped to safer ground and he was then walked off the mountain, with the rescue ending at 11.30pm.

The spokesperson said: “The mountains in winter can be a great experience, but poor weather is not an unexpected event, and it is important that hill-goers have the skills and equipment to deal with this.

“This particular walker found himself in very difficult terrain where one false move could have ended very badly.”