**Climber Loses Life in Tragic Fall on Glyder Fach Mountain in Eryri**
A climber sadly died after a fall while scrambling on the rugged slopes of Glyder Fach, one of Wales’s most prominent peaks. The accident, which occurred on Saturday 10 May, has brought into sharp focus once again the risks faced by outdoor enthusiasts scaling the more challenging terrains of Wales’s mountainous national park, Eryri (Snowdonia).
Glyder Fach, ranking as Wales’s sixth-highest summit, is an established destination for scramblers and climbers. It is well-regarded for its dramatic rock faces and challenging gullies, often attracting those seeking routes demanding both skill and nerve. The fall reportedly happened at one such gully close to the Main Cliff, an area renowned for its mix of technical ascents and exposed positions.
The tragedy unfolded as two mountaineers, themselves in the midst of their climb, witnessed a solo scrambler lose footing and tumble down a steep gulley. They immediately raised the alarm by calling 999 and then made their way down the cliff to render assistance. Demonstrating the camaraderie often found in mountainous pursuits, one of the witnesses – who is an off-duty paramedic – was able to quickly assess the situation but, heartbreakingly, found no signs of life upon reaching the fallen climber.
The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, supported by the Coastguard’s Rescue 936 helicopter, was soon on the scene. As detailed in their incident report, the rescue operation was especially taxing, taking over six hours to complete. The team faced technical challenges extracting the casualty from the precarious position within the gulley. Utilising their technical rope rescue (TRR) system, they safely secured the body in a stretcher and carefully manoeuvred it across the boulder field. From there, the casualty was moved to a suitable landing zone so the helicopter could transfer both the climber and rescue personnel back to base.
Throughout the operation, the professionalism and sensitivity of all involved were evident. The informants remained with the deceased until rescue teams arrived, offering what comfort they could in such distressing circumstances. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue expressed deep gratitude for their presence and support, as well as their quick thinking amidst an urgent and emotional event.
Upon completing their grim task on Glyder Fach, members of the mountain rescue unit found themselves responding to a second emergency as they journeyed back to base. Travelling along the A55, the team witnessed a collision between a car and a motorcycle near Capel Curig. Demonstrating versatility and an unwavering commitment to public safety, they rendered immediate aid at the scene whilst coordinating with emergency medical personnel and the police.
Tragically, despite collective efforts from all responding services, the motorcyclist succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The pillion passenger was airlifted to hospital for further treatment. The dual events of the day brought a somber mood to the rescue team, who publicly extended their condolences to the families and friends affected by these back-to-back losses.
Incidents like these, though rare, underline the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities in wilderness environments. Mountain rescue teams are frequently called upon to operate in adverse conditions and respond to emergencies that can unfold unpredictably. Their training, dedication, and empathy remain vital to ensuring as much safety as possible in the remote areas of our national parks.
As investigations continue into both incidents, the wider outdoor community is reminded of the importance of preparation, experience and caution when exploring the British countryside’s more formidable landscapes. The thoughts of many will be with those whose adventure on Glyder Fach ended in such sorrow, and with all individuals affected by the day’s tragic events in North Wales.