The rescue scene on Skiddaw. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers pleaded with Lake District hillgoers to make sure they have the skills and the gear for their trip, after a five-hour operation to bring a family to safety.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out to one of the national park’s highest mountains at 10pm when the group of five became benighted.

The walkers called for help from near the summit of Skiddaw as low cloud enveloped the 931m (3,055ft) peak.

A team spokesperson said if the group had not managed to call for help, the outcome could have been quite different.

“A PhoneFind gave their precise location and they were told not to move away from that place.

“Team members assembled at base before deploying to the hill. On arrival at the scene a group shelter gave immediate relief from the wind and drenching mizzle and it was possible to assess the individuals.

“Warm and waterproof clothing was provided as well as chemical heat blankets and high energy food before walking them back to the Gale Road car park at the back of Latrigg.”

A waiting ambulance crew checked all family members over before a team member drove them back to their own car below the Whitewater Dash waterfall north of the mountain.

The spokesperson added: “There was plenty of time to start to educate the family about route choice, conditions, timing, navigation, clothing, equipment and decision making.

“Hopefully a valuable lesson was learnt. The outcome could have been quite different had they not managed to call for help.”

The team said people should ask themselves three questions before heading for the hills:

• Do I have the right gear?
• Do I know what the weather will be like?
• Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

The incident involved eight team members for almost five hours.