Rescuers accompany the walkers from the fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers accompany the walkers from the fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

Two walkers were rescued after straying off route on the Helvellyn range.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, which went to the women’s aid, said conditions on the felltops can still be extreme, even in mid-summer.

The team was called out at 9.30pm on Friday after the pair called 999.

The women, in their 20s, set off with a sprocker spaniel at 2pm from St John’s in the Vale, intending to complete a circular walk beginning with Clough head and continuing to the Dodds.

A team spokesperson said: “The girls were experienced fellwalkers and were well dressed for the pretty awful weather that was forecast.

“Armed with their guide book and phones they made steady progress but somehow missed their turn just after Stybarrow Dodd where they should have turned down to descend to the valley from Sticks Pass. They continued along the ridge in the cloud, rain and wind gradually becoming aware that they had gone too far.

“With phone batteries almost dead and darkness approaching they called 999 and asked for mountain rescue assistance. Using PhoneFind the girls’ location was established as the summit of Helvellyn.”

A small number of Keswick MRT volunteers set off to find the pair and bring them to safety.

The women missed the turn down Sticks Pass and continued to Helvellyn. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

The women missed the turn down Sticks Pass and continued to Helvellyn. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

The spokesperson said: “It was a warm and wet walk up from Swirls until approaching the top of Brown Cove Crags where the wind increased dramatically and the temperature dropped.

“The girls and dog were located at the summit shelter and were walked off the hill before being driven back to their vehicle.

“A reminder that even in mid-summer the weather can be appalling on the tops. These girls were prepared for the conditions but would have benefited from a map, compass and headtorches.”

The 3½-hour rescue involved 10 Keswick MRT members.

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