Aberdyfi Search & Rescue Team experienced a busy start to August with three call-outs in five days around Cadair Idris.

Just after lunch on Monday, 3 August, they were called to assist a group of walkers near the summit of Cadair Idris, one of whom had fallen and suffered injuries to their head and leg. As the casualty was in their 80s, and given the nature of their injuries, team members responded on foot while and the assistance of the coastguard helicopter was requested.

More team members were lifted onto the mountain by helicopter to help move the casualty onto a stretcher. The casualty and their party were flown off the hill to the rest of the team waiting at the base of the mountain.

“We wish the casualty a speedy recovery,” a team spokesperson said.

At 3.30pm on Tuesday, 4 August, they were contacted by a walker who had mistakenly descended a path on the wrong side of the mountain. After confirming they were otherwise well, call handlers used local knowledge to direct the walker to Dolgellau where they were able to use public transport to get back to their car.

At 9pm on Friday 7 August, they were asked to assist a walker on the Minffordd path who fell and injured their leg. Call handlers then confirmed the walker had managed to make their own way back to their car, so the team stood down.

Getting off route is easily done, particularly when visibility is poor or you get tired. The team suggests walkers carry a suitable map and compass, know how to use them, and check routes carefully at path junctions and before beginning a descent.

If you get into difficulty in the mountains, call 999 or 112 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue.