Anger over walkers who 'abandon mates' to fend for themselves in Eryri

ALARMED rescue volunteers have noted a growing trend for groups of walkers to “abandon their mates” on Eryri’s mountains. Often this results in two rescue deployments instead of one.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

Over the past fortnight, Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) has been called out 12 times. Of these, two have involved parties that have split up following disagreements.

Friends have been left behind because they couldn’t keep up - or because they wanted to try a different route amid concerns they were going the wrong way, said OVMRO.

Of one recent incident, a team spokesperson said: “In a twist of irony one group, lost in cloud on Tryfan, tried to descend a gully and sent their friend back to the summit because he was unhappy with the terrain.

“While he was eventually found and walked down by a team member, his mates became stuck and had to call for rescue. Planning ahead can ensure the goals of the day can be achieved by the whole group it's better for everyone to change plans and ensure everyone gets down safely.”