The text in the guide book (Cicerone Scrambles in Snowdonia) was quite brief and was not explicit re a lengthy traverse leftwards, but studying the topo as well might have avoided the navigation error. Check all sources for navigation information carefully before and particularly at the point you recognise you are off route.

The party was well equipped with a rope and guidebook, and left plenty of time to complete the route. After the navigation error, decision making was sound including not proceeding on hard ground and calling for help then rescue.

While a rope should be carried on Grade 2 and above scrambles, do not let having the rope encourage you to attempt or try to climb through harder ground once off route. Instead, check navigation and attempt to stay on / return to easier ground.

In this case any type of rescue by club members was not feasible and once this was apparent once Mountain Rescue were on the scene. Whilst no-one wants to call out mountain rescue it is better to do this sooner to make their job easier and avoid putting others into difficult situations.

It is also worth calling Mountain Rescue for advice as to whether an ‘unofficial’ rescue should be attempted and if so, how.

The rescue was made far easier by having mobile phone reception. In other areas this may not have been the case. Always carry a whistle to help attract attention.

Be aware that emergency services can sometimes be contacted when there is no apparent signal. Register for 999 texts.

Be aware some mobile phones having emergency satellite communications and know how to use them.