A group of Strava users found themselves in a perilous situation in Snowdonia’s mountains as they got stranded in freezing -9C temperatures after following the app’s mapping feature. The incident involved two pairs of walkers who needed rescuing from the peaks in the Glyderau range in North Eryri (Snowdonia) on Monday, November 18. This was the same day when a Met Office alert for snow had been issued.
Experienced climbers were shocked to find ill-equipped hikers attempting to traverse the challenging terrain of Eryri’s mountains in extremely cold conditions. One group had mistaken a mobile phone heat map trail for an actual footpath, leading to their disorientation. The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVMRO) had to respond to both incidents simultaneously as adverse weather conditions persisted.
In one rescue operation, a duo reached the summit of Tryfan but got stranded while descending via Nor Nor gulley. Another rescue involved a father and son who had mistakenly descended towards Nant Peris instead of retracing their steps. With temperatures dropping and snowfall intensifying, OVMRO teams sprang into action to locate and assist both groups, providing warm clothing, head torches, and rope rescue equipment.
After ensuring the safety of the stranded individuals, one of whom had no warm clothing or torches, the OVMRO teams managed to lead them back to safety despite the challenging conditions. The rescue operations lasted until the early hours of the following day as the rescue teams had to trek through treacherous terrain to reach and assist the stranded hikers.
Following these incidents, concerns were raised about the reliability of Strava’s heat maps, which may not always correspond accurately to actual footpaths in mountainous regions. The OVMRO’s efforts in preventing potential fatalities in such situations were highly commended, while suggestions were made for Strava to incorporate safety warnings for users relying on its route-sharing features.
In light of the rescue operations, a discussion emerged about the role of social media platforms like Instagram in enticing ill-prepared individuals to undertake challenging mountain expeditions without adequate preparations. Criticism was directed towards those who embarked on such journeys without essential gear or checking weather forecasts, emphasizing the need for responsible outdoor recreation practices.
The incidents in Snowdonia serve as a reminder of the importance of proper planning and preparation when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in rugged terrains like mountain ranges. The rescue operations carried out by OVMRO highlight the invaluable role of mountain rescue teams in ensuring the safety of hikers and climbers in challenging environments. As outdoor enthusiasts continue to explore remote and challenging landscapes, awareness of potential risks and adherence to safety guidelines remain paramount to prevent similar incidents in the future.