Mountain rescuers cite navigation apps as factor in 15 callouts this year. Poor planning is a key issue.
The team said better planning could prevent most calls. Improved navigation skills would also help. Some rescued groups used phone apps for directions. The MRT team stated that some people followed app tracks blindly.
They could not relate the tracks to the landscape. The team provided winter safety advice. The team detailed the callouts. Five were on Tryfan mountain. Nine involved lost or stranded people.
Three were due to cold weather effects. Three more lacked torches. One call was for exhaustion, one for injury. The team urged people to “think winter.” Many callouts could have been avoided.
People should research routes. They need to understand basic navigation. Some groups used apps without connecting them to the land. They blindly followed app directions. Remember to pack warm clothes.
Bring hot drinks and food. Prepare for possible delays. Do you have skills for your chosen route? Late starts caused some callouts. Start early if you fear navigating in the dark.
Another option is a simple, easy route. Always pack charged torches.