Four teenagers from Ellesmere Port in Cheshire were stopped by police after travelling to climb Tryfan in the dark and wearing trainers.

North Wales Police Special Constabulary said on Twitter they “continue to come across motorists travelling in breach of Covid regs.”

“This evening our SC road safety unit have reported  5 people incl’  4 teenagers who had travelled from Ellsmere Port to Ogwen Cottage in Snowdonia to climb Tryfan in the dark in trainers!”

The National Trust describe Tryfan as a ‘real’ mountain, that should be “admired and respected” as it marks the line between hiking and mountaineering.

“Whichever route you choose to go up, you have to use your hands to reach the top. Even the easiest route from Bwlch Tryfan is classed as a grade 1- scramble and the various other routes only increase in difficulty, providing a veritable playground for climbers and mountaineers.

“It is therefore only recommended for experienced and well-equipped hill-walkers who are looking for a challenge!”

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue warned people have died on the mountain.

“We would not recommend anyone, whether they are doing it legally or illegally, going up Tryfan in trainers in full winter conditions,” spokesman Chris Lloyd said.

“It’s very easy to park the car at the bottom and scramble up. We do get loads of people who are totally ill equipped for going up on to the mountain and most of them come down successfully but a few don’t because of the lack of knowledge and experience.

“Tryfan is a mountain that bites back.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones described those flouting the Covid rules as “selfish” and “foolish”.

Mr Jones said: “They are turbo-charging the spread of this deadly virus.

“Their actions are totally irresponsible and life-threatening. If they have no regard for their own health, they should think of their loved ones.

“It is now time to forget the mantra of ‘engage, encourage and educate’ and focus on enforcement.”

The “stay home” was even more important because the new Covid-19 variant was “more infectious”.

“The people of north Wales are at risk like never before,” Mr Jones said.

The “last thing” officers needed was to spend their time dealing with people who thought they were “above the law,” he said.

“It is totally unacceptable,” he said.