Visit to Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue

By Suze, Climb 2 Recovery Member

In 2025 Climb 2 Recovery (C2R) beneficiaries return to the Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, for another Multi Activity Course this coming week. It was this time last year that beneficiaries had the opportunity for some continued personal development with a visit and tour of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation (OVRMO). A year later we are back and the lessons from that visit remain applicable for all our beneficiaries as they take advantage of the rock and hills of Eryri National Park.

The visit to OVRMO was part of a broader C2R initiative to deepen the C2R beneficiaries mountain rescue awareness as many participate in climbing and mountaineering for the first time and several undergo professional national qualifications in climbing and mountaineering.

OVRMO provided a platform to deepen the C2R beneficiaries’ understanding of mountain safety, rescue operations, and the critical role played by volunteer services in the outdoors. In addition to providing an ample supply of brews and biscuits, the OVRMO team members provided a tour and brief of the OVRMO base in Bryn Poeth in the shadow of Tryfan. The visit provided an opportunity to tour of the operations centre, meet current rescue personnel, and learn about the technical equipment, logistics, and real-life challenges faced by one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the UK. C2R beneficiaries were afforded the chance to tour historical and current mountain rescue equipment and shared mountaineering lessons with each other.

OVRMO facts:

· Founded in 1965 with a base and operational centre in Bryn Poeth.

· Covers the Ogwen Valley and the neighbouring mountain ranges, the Glyderau, Carneddau, and the surrounding valleys.

· A 50 strong volunteer-run mountain search and rescue (MSAR) team.

· Operates 24 hours a day, all year round.

· Responds to nearly 200 incidents annually including supporting injured walkers, climbers and pets, rescue activities on the mountains and in the surrounding lakes and rivers, conducting search missions for lost members of the public or conducting casualty recovery.

· Works collaboratively with all local emergency blue light organisations, HM Coastguard and adjacent mountain rescue teams including Llanberis Mountain Rescue and RAF Valley Mountain Rescue to help those in distress.

· Uses SARLOC (or Phonefind) system to track lost hikers via their mobile phones. A system developed by OVRMO and is now utilised across the UK.

· Has no government funding with costs covered through charitable donations and fundraising.

· Has an active support group called Treble Three -OVRMO Supporters’ Group

OVRMO highlighted that anyone venturing into the great outdoors should:

· ’Plan and Prepare’ for all eventualities.

· Ensure they have appropriate equipment including clothing and maps.

· Carry a charged mobile phone to both contact emergency services and to assist with being traced by mountain rescue teams.

· Check weather forecasts and reconsider venturing out if conditions are unfavourable.

· Notify family or friends of their intended route and activities.

In the event of a rescue or support being required, members of the public should call 999 – Ask for Police and then Mountain Rescue.

For many of our C2R members the visit was a chance to reflect on shared values – commitment, courage and service to others. As the mountains of Eryri stood tall in the backdrop, so too did the spirit of those who climbed them – not just for adventure, but for healing, growth, and solidarity.