Fatal fall climber ill-equipped for conditions.

A CLIMBER who died after falling 600 feet on Snowdon in snow and ice was not properly equipped for the conditions, an inquest heard yesterday.

Gwyn Norrell, from Snailbeach, Shrewsbury, had no ice axe or crampons when he slipped on an ice sheet on Clogwyn Coch on February 7 and fell over the cliff.

The 27-year-old factory worker's partially frozen body was found by accident hours later after another climber nearby called for help.

Bangor University student John Swain heard the cries of the injured climber who was clinging onto a boulder and went to his aid.

Whilst giving the casualty first aid, a friend of Mr Swain spotted Mr Norrell's body lying face down in the snow.

Mr Swain told in the inquest in Caernarfon he was "shocked" to see the lack of winter climbing gear on the deceased.

Mr Norrell's death was one of three which occurred on Snowdon in the space of 10 days.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, deputy coroner Nicola Jones said: "Had he had an ice axe and crampons, he may have been able to arrest his fall."

She paid tribute to the rescuers who recovered Mr Norrell's body.