In the news

At around 4:15 p.m. on Thursday 4th July, call-handlers from Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team were made aware of an injured woman just above the Minffordd steps on Cader Idris.

The woman, in her late 60’s and from the Aberystwyth area, was part of a small party intending to walk to Llyn Cau. At around 8:00 a.m., and very shortly into their journey, the lady slipped and landed heavily, jarring her back. After taking a few moments to recover, the lady pressed on with her journey up the mountain, but as the day wore on she developed pain in her upper leg which grew progressively worse, particularly after a stop for lunch. It became increasingly difficult to bear weight on the leg and their progress off the mountain became very slow. Passers-by assisted the lady to a great extent, but it became evident that the steep terrain of the Minffordd steps was going to be a significant problem and a call was placed for Mountain Rescue.

After discussion with and assessment of the casualty by Team volunteers, it was decided that the best course of action would be to stretcher-carry her down the steep ground, an awkward process given the steep, rocky and narrow nature of the path. Twelve volunteers were involved in the evacuation process and everyone was safely down off the mountain by 7:15 p.m.

Team volunteer Graham O’Hanlon attended the rescue. “We were greatly impressed by the level of support given to this lady by passers-by, and would like to pass on her thanks to everyone who assisted her in getting off the mountain.”

The lady was driven by friends to Bronglais Hospital for further assessment and treatment.