The couple got lost on Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennines

A couple were rescued after spending the night sheltering in a ruined building after getting lost on the highest hill in the Pennines.

The middle-aged couple from Cumbria set off from Kirkland, west of Cross Fell, to tackle the 893m (2,930ft) fell, the highest in England outside the Lake District.

Members of the Teesdale & Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team were called out today, Sunday, after the pair managed to get a mobile phone signal and call for help.

Steve Owers of the rescue team said: “On reaching the summit they became disorientated and lost their way because of the bad weather.

“They managed at some stage during the night to find a footpath that leads down Trout Beck towards Cow Green reservoir.

“This path is in the opposite direction from their start point. In the late evening they came across Moor House, a remote unoccupied building on the eastern slopes of Great Dun Fell where they sheltered until it got light.

“They were still unsure of the way to safety but finally managed to get a mobile phone signal and contacted Durham Police who contacted the mountain rescue team around lunchtime today.”

Team leader Chris Roberts said: “Because we knew the location of the couple it was a relatively simple task to send a vehicle to Moor House to pick them up.

“When I arrived they were cold and very tired but very relieved to see us.

“They were transported to Garrigill to be checked over by the ambulance service. The weather even this morning was not good with driving rain and very limited visibility.

“The couple had done this walk many times and were well equipped but for some reason this time did not take a map and compass with them.”

The Teesdale and Weardale team urged walkers to take care when heading for the hills. They advised anyone venturing on the fells to get a mountain weather forecast, charge their mobile phone and leave a note with someone with the intended route and time due back.

The team also advised walkers to go properly equipped, with waterproofs, hat, gloves, spare clothing and food and drink.

They should also take a map and compass and know how to use them; carry an emergency bivvy bag or emergency shelter and always take a head torch and spare batteries in case delayed walkers get benighted.