Walkers should pack a torch, whatever the time of year, said rescuers

Walkers should pack a torch, whatever the time of year, said rescuers

Mountain rescuers have pleaded with walkers to pack a torch when they head for the hills.

The plea follows an incident in which 18 members of the Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team had to mount a search for a man who was caught out when it got dark on the Lakeland fells.

The elderly man went for a walk around the Alcock Tarn area east of Grasmere on Friday.

He became separated from his wife who managed to find her way off the fell and reported him missing.

Two search dogs joined team members in the callout about 10.35pm.

A team spokesperson said: “A hasty search was organised around the Alcock Tarn area, and he was located, sitting in the dark, waiting patiently for rescue. He was assisted off the hill and returned to his hotel, wife and hopefully, dinner.”

The rescue lasted 2¾ hours.

The spokesperson said: “Always carry a torch. Whatever time of year, always carry a torch.

“You never know when or why you may be delayed. When it goes dark in the hills, it usually goes very dark.

“There’s little ambient light unless you are lucky to be out when there is a good moon and little cloud. It’s worth carry a set of spare batteries as well.

“If you’re lucky they’ll be the same size as other devices you might be carrying such as GPS. Modern LED torches are very reliable, and batteries last a long time, and it’s well worth considering a headtorch in favour of a hand torch, leaving your hands free.”

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