**Young Boy Airlifted After 33ft Fall on Tryfan, One of UK’s Most Treacherous Peaks**
A 10-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after a dramatic 33ft fall on Tryfan, widely regarded as one of the most hazardous mountains in the United Kingdom. The boy, accompanied by his father, was climbing the daunting 917-metre summit located in the Glyderau range of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, overlooking the picturesque Ogwen Valley. Emergency services responded rapidly to the incident, which unfolded early on Sunday morning, April 20th.
According to the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO), the young climber suffered leg and hip injuries in the fall. The Coastguard dispatched a helicopter to airlift both the boy and his father to the emergency department at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. One of OVMRO’s newest volunteers, Josie, was coincidentally nearby and promptly provided first aid, ensuring vital support until the helicopter crew arrived.
Tragically, the incident formed just one of four separate mountain rescues carried out on Tryfan during the busy Easter weekend. Tryfan’s daunting terrain continues to dominate emergency callouts in the region. By the end of the weekend, the mountain alone accounted for nearly 40% of the 49 callouts the OVMRO had received so far in 2025—a statistic that starkly illustrates its dangerous reputation.
In additional incidents on Tryfan over the same weekend, one man experienced a five-metre fall, striking his head on the mountain’s notorious North Ridge, while another climber suffered an arm injury at the summit. In another rescue on Saturday, a hiker fell from the notable Cannon Stone, a protruding rock along the North Ridge route, and briefly lost consciousness from a head injury. OVMRO volunteers carefully prepared the casualty for a stretcher winch amid fears of spinal and shoulder injuries, before another helicopter evacuation.
Such events highlight the challenges faced by both the local mountain rescue teams and those venturing to experience Tryfan’s rugged beauty. Despite its scenic allure, Tryfan is widely considered the most accident-prone peak in the UK—both in terms of essential rescue numbers and the severity of the incidents. Most rescues here stem from climbers becoming disoriented, immobile, or sustaining significant lower limb injuries. Sadly, 2024 saw two fatal accidents on Tryfan, and this year has also recorded a tragic death—a woman from Merseyside perished after an approximated 20-metre fall on the North Ridge.
Part of what makes Tryfan distinctly hazardous is the blend of mountaineering and scrambling required to tackle its routes. Unlike typical hiking paths, clear tracks are rare, increasing the challenge for even experienced adventurers. Navigation mistakes are common, with some routes—such as Y-Gully—notoriously ensnaring the unwary or underprepared. Even with modern map, compass, and GPS technology, it is all too easy to become enveloped by steep, technical terrain that demands proper skills and experience.
Additional risk is posed by the summit’s twin monoliths, referred to locally as “Adam and Eve” (Sion a Sian). Legend holds that leaping between these stones grants one “the freedom of Tryfan”, a tempting (yet dangerous) feat that has contributed to the mountain’s accident tally over the years. Similarly, the infamous Cannon Stone attracts photo-seekers, but a careless misstep here can have severe consequences.
During the Easter period, rescue teams were also summoned to nearby peaks. On April 20th, a walker on Tryfan slipped two metres, fracturing their ankle, and required a Coastguard helicopter for evacuation. Elsewhere, two walkers became lost and exhausted descending Moel Siabod, but were swiftly located. In another incident, a local person went missing after feeling unwell during a walk near Llyn Crafnant but was found safely by friends.
Despite the continuous warnings, the number of incidents on Tryfan persists above the long-term average. In 2024, OVMRO handled 173 incidents across 29 mountains in their remit—47 of which were attributed solely to Tryfan. This recurring pattern underscores the importance of preparation and awareness for those tempted by Eryri’s world-renowned landscapes.
As the climbing season continues, rescue teams urge those planning an ascent of Tryfan or neighbouring peaks to take all necessary precautions, consider enlisting an experienced guide, and to ensure that their route matches their experience level. The stunning views and exhilarating climbs of Eryri are best enjoyed with safety and respect for the mountains at the forefront of every adventurer’s mind.