Whernside: the four teenagers were found on its western flanks

Whernside: the four teenagers were found on its western flanks

Four walkers attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks had to be rescued after getting lost in the dark.

The teenagers rang for help by mobile phone yesterday, and the Cave Rescue Organisation was called out at about 8.05pm to help the three girls and one man who reported they had become disoriented while descending from the 736m (2,415ft) summit of Whernside.

Members of the Clapham-based rescue team, which operates both on the fells and in the caves of the Yorkshire Dales, mounted a search for the four, aged between 16 and 18, and they were found on the western side of the fell at Buck Beck Head.

The group was then escorted by rescuers to one of the team’s vehicles in Kingsdale. The rescue was the CRO’s 75th callout this year.

The Three Peaks challenge is a 39km (24-mile) circuit of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which participants traditionally aim to complete in 12 hours.

There are now only about 9½ hours of daylight. After the clocks go back early tomorrow morning, the sun will set on Whernside at 4.39pm.

To check sunset times where you are planning to walk, try the Met Office’s beta site, with a sunrise and sunset widget which can be customised to your desired location. Most hand-held GPS devices will also give a sunset time.

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