Two women have died after wild swimming in a beauty spot pool on one of Britain’s busiest mountains.
North Wales Police were called at 9.31pm to a report that one had been pulled from the water and another was still in a pool on the Watkin Path at Nant Gwynant.
Llanberis mountain rescue team were called out along with North Wales Police, an air ambulance and coastguard rescue helicopters.
The pair were found dead after going for an evening swim in the waterfall pool in the Snowdonia mountain range – after it was raved about by online explorers.
Emergency services were called to the pool on the notorious Watkin Path leading to the summit of Mount Snowdon, now known as Yr Wyddfa on Wednesday night.
When they arrived one woman had already been pulled from the water.
Another was retrieved from the pool a short while later. But both were tragically pronounced dead.
North Wales Police say an investigation is underway to establish how the women died and the coroner has been informed.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gibson of North Wales Police said: ‘Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of both women.
‘An investigation to establish what happened is now underway.
‘We are appealing for anyone who may have been walking in or around the Watkin Path area between 6pm and 9pm last night, they are urged to contact us.’
The force said: ‘Two women have died following an incident in Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd last night.
‘Police were called at 9.31pm following a report that one female had been pulled from the water, and another was reported to be in the water at the pools on the Watkin Path.
‘The Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team were dispatched to the area along with North Wales Police, the Air Ambulance and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.
‘The second female was pulled from the water, however, despite the best efforts of all involved both were pronounced dead at the scene.’
Snowdon attracts more than 600,000 walkers, climbers and tourists each year with a series of walking trails and a train line leading to the 3,560ft summit.
The 8-mile long Watkin Path, where the tragedy happened, is described as ‘one of the steepest and more challenging routes up Snowdon’.
It takes an estimated four to seven hours to complete – with a dip in the water a must-do for many walkers.
However the route is said to pass along ‘a series of crystal-blue waterfalls before it quickly ramps up in difficulty after passing Gladstone Rock.
The pools have been described as ‘quite possibly the most beautiful wild swimming spot in the whole National Park.’
Walking bloggers, The Walking Northerners say: ‘The Watkins Path Waterfall is still a relatively quiet location – most likely due to Watkin Path being known as one of the more difficult climbs up Snowdon.
‘Many visitors simply opt for one of the more tourist-friendly routes and completely miss out on this hidden gem.
‘Nevertheless, with how stunning this unspoilt swimming spot is, it’s probably only a matter of time before it does catch the public eye. So best get visiting now before it starts getting more popular!’