The pair got into difficulties on Kinder Scout. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Rescuers were blown off their feet in high winds when they went to the aid of two walkers in difficulties on the Peak District’s highest hill.

Kinder Mountain Rescue Team was called out to help the pair on the western edge of Kinder Scout on Sunday when one became exhausted, leaving them unable to continue.

The pair supplied a What3words location but rescuers were unable to confirm their position for some time as they lost their phone signal.

Search and rescue dogs and handlers joined team members on the hill in the operation to find the walkers.

A Kinder MRT spokesperson said: “After a further 999 call and a new phone number we were able to contact them to confirm their location using the GPS in their phone. The search dogs were then able to stand down and we thank them for their assistance.

“The couple were located and one was hypothermic, but was able to be walked off the mountain after warming. The weather conditions had deteriorated during the day and high winds were being experienced throughout the rescue.

“Team members were blown off their feet with the gusts. Both walkers were safely escorted down via Mill Hill to the roadhead, for transport back to our base in Hayfield.”

Team members then drove the couple back to their car in Edale.

The 4¾-hour rescue involved 26 team members and two Mountain Rescue Search Dogs.