Fallen walker rescued at beauty spot

There was drama on the opening weekend of post-lockdown when a walker was rescued with the assistance of a coastguard helicopter at Lake Vyrnwy on Saturday evening.

Aberdyfi Search & Rescue Team was dispatched at 4.30pm to the scene after reports of a 42-year-old woman falling at the highest point of the waterfall north of the popular lake.

“All attempts to contact the casualty and informant failed,” said Graham O’Hanlon, from Aberdyfi Search & Rescue Team.

“As Team volunteers made their way to the scene to gather further information, a request for assistance from the Coastguard helicopter R936 was placed, as previous experience indicated that the path at the side of the falls represents a steep and difficult stretcher carry.

"A hasty party had just reached the casualty and started an assessment when the helicopter arrived on scene. The winch-man was lowered to help assess the situation, and it was decided to winch the casualty aboard. Other members of the casualty party were escorted down off the hill by team volunteers.”

Mr O’Hanlon said that the Team was safely off the hill shortly after 8pm.

A number of local beauty spots reported a steady flow of visitors on Saturday as the day trippers returned to the area following the first weekend since the five-mile Covid-19 restriction was relaxed.

PICTURE (provided by Aberdyfi Search & Rescue Team): Team volunteers assess the casualty on the scene.