'Be prepared' warning as lost couple rescued from Cader Idris in the dark

The Aberdyfi Search and Rescue team say the couple, from London, got lost on the mountain in Snowdonia yesterday evening.

They were lightly equipped for a day on the mountain and were unable to provide call-out coordinators with information about their location or their starting point.

Rescuers managed to work out where they were by checking their smartphone and the couple were encouraged to keep walking as team members made their way up to meet them.

The pair were uninjured but, having run out of food and water, were complaining of cold and fatigue with the woman feeling faint.

Team volunteer Graham O'Hanlon was part of the rescue operation and said the couple was provided with food, water and warm clothing.

"Other team volunteers were put on standby in case a stretcher carry was required, but the pair were able to walk off the hill under their own steam. Everyone was safely off the hill shortly before midnight," he said.

"On a hot, clear, sunny day such as we enjoyed on Saturday, it can be tempting to cut back on carried equipment, such as maps, torches, extra clothing, food and water, in order to save weight.

"However, emergency equipment and supplies are exactly that: there for when things do not go according to plan and you are out longer or later than intended.

"Simple preparations can make a huge difference to the outcome when things go wrong.

"There are some great ideas about making your day in the mountains a safer and more enjoyable experience at adventuresmart.uk"

With views towards the coast, Cader Idris is one of the most popular mountains among walkers in Snowdonia.

It is one of several places in Wales that has had a huge number of visitors since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Over in Llanrhaeadr locals have been left exasperated by the amount of people coming to see Pistyll Rhaeadr, with roads heavily congested and bins left overflowing as a result.