The summit plateau of Bleaklow: difficult navigating in poor conditions

A walker was rescued from a Peak District fell after getting lost in the dark.

Three mountain rescue teams were joined by animals and handlers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association in a major search for the man, who was benighted on the district’s second highest hill.

Members of the Edale, Glossop and Woodhead Mountain Rescue Teams mounted a search for the walker, from Sale, Greater Manchester after he was reported missing on Bleaklow at 7.30pm yesterday evening, Friday.

Rescuers said the man had been out for a day’s walk on the 633m (2,077ft) peak and been caught out by bad weather and darkness.

Edale team Leader Ian Bunting said: “The weather has been wet for the last few days but last night was particularly bad with strong wind, driving rain and hill fog.

“To make matters worse all the river courses were in full spate which added another hazard for team members

“The man was eventually located just before midnight by members of Glossop MRT, wet but otherwise unhurt and escorted off the hill into the Derwent Valley.

“By this time the water levels had risen so much that when our Land Rovers were crossing the West End River the water was washing over the top of the bonnet.”

The rescuer pleaded with walkers heading for the hills in winter to go prepared.

“I would urge people to take note of the message that mountain rescue teams have been promoting nationally with regards to walking in the hills in the winter: look at the weather forecast, dress appropriately, take plenty of food, take a map and compass and know how to use them, take a torch and spare batteries – it always gets dark,” Mr Bunting said.

The Edale team had a busy Christmas period with members leaving their families to attend seven incidents over the break.

These included a man who suffered a heart attack on Boxing Day on moorland above the Derwent Valley and a mountain biker who sustained a very serious head injury on Longstone Edge on 29 December.