It's still winter on Helvellyn, rescuers warned. Photo: Mike Blakey

Rescuers have repeated a warning that England’s third highest mountain is still in the grip of winter conditions after they were called out to help a man stuck on a scrambling route.

The 69-year-old was with three others tackling Striding Edge on Helvellyn when he got stuck on the final slope up to the summit plateau.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 1.40pm on Sunday to help the walker.

A team spokesperson said: “In deteriorating weather conditions three members of the party raised the alarm via a mobile phone call before continuing on to Helvellyn and descending via Lower Man and Whiteside to Greenside Mines and safety.”

The team requested the help of an air ambulance to airlift some of its members to the site of the cragfast man, but low cloud prevented the helicopter reaching the man.

The spokesperson said: “A Sea King from RAF Boulmer was requested to assist as the team members made their way onto the fell on foot. Penrith MRT were also called to assist.

“However, before the rescue team could reach the man’s location he managed to free himself and descend to Red Tarn and then down towards the Grisedale Valley where team members intercepted him.”

Following the incident, which involved 11 members of Patterdale MRT and six members of the Penrith team, the spokesperson warned mountain-goers to be prepared for winter conditions: “Members of the public are reminded that conditions on the fells can still be very wintry even at the beginning of April with sheet ice, sleet, snow and very strong winds.”