Stanage Edge is one of the most popular crags in the Peak District. Photo: Darren Copley

A woman has died following a fall on one of the Peak District’s most popular crags.

The 32-year-old fell while leading on the Zig Zag crack route on Stanage Edge. The woman was given immediate medical attention by a doctor who had been climbing close by and by a member of the Edale Mountain Rescue Team who was also in the area.

An RAF Sea King helicopter was called in to the incident, which happened when the woman, from Woodbridge in Suffolk, was climbing with three friends.

Other members of the Edale MRT went to the climber’s aid; a road ambulance and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance also attended, but the woman died at the scene, despite efforts to resuscitate her.

A spokesperson for the MRT said: “The fall caused her to hit the ground head first.

“Despite immediate attention by fellow climbers and advanced medical intervention by team members and air-ambulance crew, her injuries were too severe to survive.

“The team wishes to express its sincere condolences to her family and friends.”

The spokesperson pointed out that, although fatal climbing accidents are rare, outdoor activities can never be completely risk-free.

Details of the climber have not been released.