Mountain rescuers criticise ‘dangerously worded’ Guardian article for underestimating risk of notorious Snowdon ridge

Mountain rescuers have criticised a “dangerously worded” Guardian article for underestimating the risk posed by a notorious Snowdon ridge.

The knife-edge of Crib Goch is widely considered to be the most difficult route to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain and a number of climbers have sadly lost their lives there over a years.

However, you might not have got that impression had you read yesterday’s online piece titled “‘Mystical and unspoilt beauty’: readers on their most inspiring UK walks”.

The article shared submissions from Guardian readers around the UK on their favourite walks and what they love about them.

One of the six routes mentioned was Crib Goch, which was oddly described as being of “medium difficulty”.

Members of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team were quick to ask for a correction as can be seen below.

https://twitter.com/LlanberisMRT/status/1325901300937191424?s=20

The mountain rescue team’s website describes the ridge as “no place for the faint hearted”, referencing the serious and challenging nature of taking it on.

It states: “Each year our rescue team gets numerous call outs to Crib Coch from people who have underestimated the exposed and serious nature of it.

“To attempt Crib Coch you should be an experienced mountain walker who has completed other scramble routes of grade 1.

“Crib Coch is not the place to learn scrambling for the first time.

“An experienced mountain walker would be steady on their feet, can navigate by map and compass and have the skills to pick a route through steep and rocky terrain.

“It is also extremely important to wait for good weather and conditions to attempt Crib Goch.

“The difficulty and seriousness increases massively if it is wet and windy or if visibility is poor.”

The Guardian has yet to amend the article at the time of writing.

Top image “Crib Goch ridge” by rockabilly_girl is licensed under CC BY 2.0