An abandoned slate quarry in Wales has become an unexpected hotspot on TikTok and Instagram—but for rescue teams, it’s a nightmare. Driven by viral posts showing “secret” beauty spots, young adventurers are risking their lives for the perfect photo, prompting a surge in mountain rescue call-outs.

Social Media’s Dangerous Allure

A 90% increase in rescue operations involving people under 25 has been recorded over the past five years, according to Mountain Rescue England and Wales. This rise is attributed to viral content glamorizing off-limits, hazardous locations such as the historic Dinorwig Quarry near Eryri National Park.

Nathaniel and Charlie, a young couple from Leeds, found themselves stranded on a crumbling cliff after following a TikTok-inspired plan. What began as a spontaneous outing turned into a call for emergency help as a storm rolled in and the terrain beneath them gave way.

A ‘Surprise’ Adventure Turns Risky

The couple and their friends had climbed deep into the 200-year-old quarry, hoping to discover a hidden lagoon and waterfall seen online. But descending proved treacherous. “Everything we were standing on was just crumbling away,” said Nathaniel. With winds reaching 70mph and slate debris flying, they held on “for dear life” until Llanberis Mountain Rescue reached them.

Not All Spots Are Meant to Be Visited

Though parts of the quarry are popular with experienced climbers, the general area is fenced off and marked with danger signs. But that hasn’t deterred thousands of unprepared visitors chasing aesthetic content online. The risks are real—just recently, a massive rockslide occurred in the same location.

Dave Murray from the rescue team emphasized the risks of blindly following social media trails: “What seems easy in a video can be deadly in reality.”

A Wake-Up Call for Young Explorers

From 166 rescue calls in 2019 to 314 in 2024 involving the 18–24 age group, the warning is clear: “Do your research. Know your limits. Take the right gear,” said Charlie, reflecting on her near-death experience.

As social media continues to romanticize hidden nature spots, authorities urge caution. Views and likes aren’t worth the risk.