Helvellyn and its headwall

Rescuers urged fellwalkers to carry the right equipment after two novice walkers were plucked from Helvellyn after getting cragfast in snowy conditions.

The pair, students from Oxford, used their mobile phones to call for help after they became stuck yesterday, Thursday, on England’s third highest mountain. The walkers were described as ‘lightly equipped’.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of the walkers, aged 20 and 21, after they reported they were unable to move on the mountain’s western side. According to the report, the walkers had lost their path in snow, traversed and had got stuck on steep snowy ground.

The team spoke to the stranded walkers and then started the search on Helvellyn’s headwall and on Swirral Edge.

Their shouts could be heard, but they were not visible. A spokesperson for the Patterdale team said: “Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the serious craggy location and fading light, the decision was made to request an RAF Sea King helicopter from Anglesey to help locate the two casualties.

“After a brief search the students were found and winched onto the summit of Helvellyn to waiting team members.

“They were assessed and found to be suffering from mild hypothermia. The whole party was then airlifted to Patterdale and taken to the rescue centre for rewarming before being allowed to return to their accommodation.”

Following the successful operation, rescuers said: “Walkers are reminded that a map, compass, spare food and waterproofs and boots are essential at this time of the year.”