Rescuers carry the stretcher across the river, Photo: Edale MRT

Rescuers reminded walkers to pack a torch after they had to stretcher to safety a woman who was lost in the dark on a Peak District hill.

The leader of the Edale Mountain Rescue Team also urged anyone heading for the hills to make sure they were competent with a map and compass.

It was important to go properly equipped as days shorten and night falls sooner, Ian Bunting, team leader said, after a night search for the woman.

The team was called out, along with Glossop Mountain Rescue Team at 9.30pm on Wednesday to look for the walker in the Alport Valley, on the southern slopes of Bleaklow, north of the Snake Road.

Mr Bunting said: “A lone female walked into a farm in the Alport Valley near Bamford having become separated from her mother.

“The pair had been out for a day’s walk on Bleaklow and had become disorientated in the mist. There was further concern for the mother’s welfare as the River Alport, which the pair were walking down the side of, was in spate and could have washed away anyone entering the water unintentionally.

“The lady was located at 12.30am by a search dog team cold, wet and exhausted and unable to make her own way off the hill.

“Due to this she was evacuated by stretcher down to Alport Farm with all team members eventually off the hill by 3am.”

He added: “The pair had become lost in thick fog which caused them to be walking in an unfamiliar area. In addition the mother did not have a touch which made it difficult for her to progress.

“Anyone out walking in the Peak District or other upland areas of the UK should ensure they have a map, compass and a working torch and know how to use them.

“With daylight hours shortening, mountain rescue teams see an increase in incidents at this time year which could be prevented if people knew how to navigate in poor weather and carried a torch.”