The couple called for help from Striding Edge on Helvellyn. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A couple on a date in the Lake District had to be rescued after they got stuck on steep ground on Helvellyn.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted at 8pm on Thursday when the pair were reported to be cragfast on Striding Edge.

The team used the PhoneFind system which placed them just off the main path on the headwall of the mountain.

Six Patterdale MRT volunteers made their way to the scene, reaching the couple about 10.30pm.

A team spokesperson said: “The couple had got disorientated in the dark and strayed off the main path and got stuck on steep rocky ground.

“When the team reached them they were safe and well but very cold after the wait for the team to reach them.

“The couple were moved to safety using a rope belay and were then walked off back down to Glenridding. The couple had set off for their walk at around 2pm and had not realised the difficulty in terrain which meant they got caught out by the early fading light.

“The couple were on a date after meeting online. It’s unknown if any further dates are planned.”

The incident was the second within a week involving dating couples getting into difficulties on Lake District ridges. On Saturday 21 November a man suffered serious injuries when he fell from Sharp Edge on Blencathra. His partner had to be rescued from the ridge by Keswick MRT and he was airlifted to hospital after the incident. The pair were on their second date when the accident happened.