A quick investigation of likely locations quickly pinpointed the party, two men and their daughters aged 7 and 4, high in the quarry area of Bird Rock near Bryncrug.
The group had attempted to scramble to the summit of Bird Rock via the steep quarry portion of the hill, an area of shattered and loose stone and scree, and got an estimated 150m above the level of the road before becoming stuck and calling for help.
The quarry presented a dangerous working area with poor anchor options and a high risk from falling material. In the five and a half hour rescue operation, the casualties were equipped with team safety equipment, and lowered in pairs via two pitches to the road side.