Team members stretcher the injured walker from the fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

A walker taking to the hills after recovering from a recently dislocated elbow had to be rescued after injuring his ankle.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 12.55pm on Saturday to the site at Birk Side, on the western slopes of Helvellyn.

A team spokesperson said the man was descending with a friend in low cloud and drizzle towards Wythburn Church. His companion encouraged the man to undertake the walk to improve his fitness.

“Unfortunately the same man slipped on wet grass and heard his ankle snap,” the spokesperson said.

“Passers-by gave him some pain relief and called 999 to ask for mountain rescue. On arrival the team examined and splinted the man’s leg then stretchered him down to a team vehicle on the forest road above the church.”

The team drove him to the pair’s car at Wythburn, where he was advised to make his way to hospital in Carlisle for an x-ray.

The 2¾-hour incident involved 15 Keswick MRT members.