'Fine the culprits' Mountain Rescue left stunned by ill-equipped walkers in -9C temperatures

Seasoned climbers were left stunned by poorly equipped hikers who ventured into Eryri's mountains amid -9C conditions. One group lost their way after mistaking a mobile phone "heat map trail" for an actual path. North Wales Live readers think that there should be penalties for irresponsible climbers.

Two sets of hikers required rescue from the Glyderau range in North Eryri (Snowdonia), with both operations occurring on Monday, November 18, coinciding with a Met Office snow warning.

As snowfall began in the afternoon on the mountains and later brought major roads like the A55 and A483 to a standstill, Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) responded to simultaneous calls for help.

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It was not until 4am the following day that all four OVMRO teams returned to their Capel Curig headquarters for a "defrost and debrief". A spokesperson commented: "Both casualty groups were very lucky. With temperatures down to -9C, one group had no warm clothing or torches and were very cold and wet by the time they were found."

They added, "A check of the weather forecast would have shown the amber warning, setting off earlier would have helped too. One group was navigating with Strava and followed a heat map trail thinking they were on a footpath."

In light of the week's rescues, OVMRO received praise for "preventing fatalities", and there were calls for Strava to implement safety warnings on its heat maps.

Commenter Everyyear says: “We should be grateful to the Mountain Rescue teams for being there, when needed. Extraordinary commitment turning out, in the middle of the night, in freezing conditions. Only really decent people volunteer for this work. Well done all.”

JGmin thinks: “It really is unbelievable how people can behave. It's great doing winter mountains when you have the right experience and equipment. But following a 'heat trail' (whatever that is) because you think it's a footpath is a whole new level of 'what the heck?' Just learn to read a map, and don't rely on gadgets. I hope they've learnt their lesson, and that they make a generous donation to the MR team that rescued them.”

Madfloss agrees: “There should be a fine that goes back into supporting the mountain rescue teams and air ambulance for every single person requiring rescue through lack of preparation (Obviously accidents happen to even the best equipped). Maybe paying a few grand might make some people think twice before risking their and the rescuers' lives for the sake of a jolly.”

Puffinisland12 adds: “There should be some sort of punishment for people who go out into the mountains without the right equipment and skills. It's no good just thanking the mountain rescue after a dangerous mission. People get fines for all sort of small things these days and these need to learn a lesson.”

ThePickledLiver replies: “No point giving 'fines', make 'em come back and actually learn something. Put the choice in the hands of the MRO's - they're experienced enough to tell between the well-equipped and experienced who came a cropper, versus the misguided adventurous ones, versus the utterly negligent ones.”

Forestdragon thinks: “The generosity and stoicism of the rescuers is beyond admirable.”

Jonesey1 agrees: “They really ARE wonderful people, aren’t they? An inspiration to us all.”

Do you think walkers should pay for mountain rescue or should face a penalty for being under prepared on the mountains? Have your say in our comments section.