Grindsbrook, Kinder Scout. Photo: Clem Rutter CC-BY-SA-3.0

A walker was airlifted from the Peak District’s highest hill after injuring herself while descending in the dark.

Members of Buxton and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams were alerted after a couple of holidaymakers rang for help after getting into difficulties on Kinder Scout.

The pair, from Dorset, had become benighted and the woman walker had aggravated an old back injury in a slip while coming down Grindsbrook.

A Search and Rescue Dogs Association animal and handler joined 28 rescuers in the search for the couple about 8.50pm yesterday. The Derbyshire Police helicopter found the couple in the upper reaches of the brook and a rescuer was with them soon afterwards.

A spokesperson for the Buxton team said: “The seriousness of the old injury prompted concerns about a stretcher carry causing even more damage and consequently an RAF search and rescue helicopter was called.

“The helicopter was overhead within an hour and in total darkness lifted the casualty from a difficult location and transferred her to [Northern General Hospital], Sheffield for further examination.”

Team members accompanied the woman’s husband back down to Edale.