Toll an Lochain and An Teallach. Photo: Jim Barton CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two walkers had to spend the night on the hill after getting trapped by rising water in a Highland stream.

Rescuers were unable to ford the stream and a helicopter had to turn back because of severe weather conditions.

Members of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team were alerted about 8.40pm on Saturday when the pair called for help.

They were returning from a walk to Toll an Lochain on An Teallach, south-west of Dundonnell.

A team spokesperson said: “With heavy rain falling throughout the day, the pair, on their return trip, became trapped by rising water level, preventing them from crossing a now heavily swollen stream.

“The team were called upon to locate the couple and attempt a rescue.

“Initially six team members set off from the roadside. River levels were extremely high.

“The team managed to locate the missing pair but were unable to cross the stream and take them off the hill. Food, clothing, warm drinks and a shelter were thrown over to the pair, as it was likely they would have to spend the night on the hill.

“During the night a further seven mountain rescue team members arrived and took it in turns to stay on the hill and maintain a presence. A rescue helicopter from Stornoway attempted a rescue during the early hours but had to return to base due to very poor weather conditions.”

A second helicopter, the Inverness Coastguard aircraft, flew to the scene in the morning and was able to pick up the two walker about 9am and airlift them to the rescue team base. The spokesperson said the walkers, who live in the Highlands, were unhurt but very cold.

Team leader Donald MacRae said: “This pair made the right decision to call for help.

“Trying to cross a swollen river can be fatal. This pair were well equipped. However, I would stress to everyone going for a walk to check a weather forecast then think what might change as a result of the weather.”