Shortly before 5:00 p.m. call-handlers from the Team were made aware of a party of crag-fast walkers on Cader Idris.
The group of four walkers and their dog had stated from Minffordd carpark around lunchtime with the intention of reaching the summit. They had opted to take the route known as the "Stone Chute" from Llyn Cau up to the ridge-line. This is a steep and loose track that ends in a scramble up an awkward, steep and slippery rock step close to the rim of the cwm. Finding this last section well beyond their ability, and assuming that this meant that they had lost the path, the group lost confidence, and with deteriorating weather and failing daylight, they called for assistance.
Using Phone-find technology, call-handlers were able to pinpoint the group's position, and a small hill-party was dispatched to help them off the mountain. The Team deployed via Llanfihangle Y Pennant, making use of the farm tracks to drive close to Pencoed Barn, before transferring on to foot to reach the lost party.
The group was located just below the "bad step" at the top of the stone chute path and, although a little cold and shaken by their experience, were still in good spirits. After being provided with warm drinks, food and warm, dry clothing, the walkers were assisted up the difficult section using a confidence rope along with assistance and encouragement from the rescue party. A secure harness was created for Penny the dog, who needed to be carried up this last section. Once on better ground, out of the wind and moving downhill again, the group started to warm up. The party reached Team vehicles about an hour later, and everyone was safely don at the road by 10:40 p.m.
The group of four walkers and their dog had stated from Minffordd carpark around lunchtime with the intention of reaching the summit. They had opted to take the route known as the "Stone Chute" from Llyn Cau up to the ridge-line. This is a steep and loose track that ends in a scramble up an awkward, steep and slippery rock step close to the rim of the cwm. Finding this last section well beyond their ability, and assuming that this meant that they had lost the path, the group lost confidence, and with deteriorating weather and failing daylight, they called for assistance.
Using Phone-find technology, call-handlers were able to pinpoint the group's position, and a small hill-party was dispatched to help them off the mountain. The Team deployed via Llanfihangle Y Pennant, making use of the farm tracks to drive close to Pencoed Barn, before transferring on to foot to reach the lost party.
The group was located just below the "bad step" at the top of the stone chute path and, although a little cold and shaken by their experience, were still in good spirits. After being provided with warm drinks, food and warm, dry clothing, the walkers were assisted up the difficult section using a confidence rope along with assistance and encouragement from the rescue party. A secure harness was created for Penny the dog, who needed to be carried up this last section. Once on better ground, out of the wind and moving downhill again, the group started to warm up. The party reached Team vehicles about an hour later, and everyone was safely don at the road by 10:40 p.m.
The view from below: Penny the dog is carried up the rock step.