Usk Reservoir, scene of Friday's rescue. Photo: Andrew Hill CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mountain rescuers thanked a farmer who helped in finding four missing walkers.

The four women, from Oxford, had a guidebook but no map or compass for their walk at the Usk Reservoir in the North of the Brecon Beacons national park on Friday.

As it started to get dark, the four walkers, who were staying at a cottage near Carmarthen, rang 999 and nine members of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team went to the area.

Mark Jones, deputy team leader, said: “The women had got lost earlier and asked at a local farm for directions before carrying on their walk. However the farmer became concerned and went out to look for them on his quad bike.

“He reached them after spotting a light from their mobile phone. He was able to give us their exact location.”

Brecon MRT used two 4×4s to reach the party and the women were brought to safety using the vehicles and the farmer’s quad bike. They were cold and exhausted, but otherwise unharmed.

Mr Jones added: “This is another example of the importance of being equipped for a walk on the mountain. No matter how short the walk we would always advise people have the basics: a map, compass and torch.

“We are also very grateful for the assistance offered by the local farmer. It was a bitterly cold night and one of the party was very distressed.

“Thanks to him we were able to bring them safety within two hours of the alarm being raised.”

The team was also in action yesterday, when a 15-year-old girl slipped and injured her back while walking with friends on Gwastedyn Hill near Rhayader in mid-Wales.

St John Ambulance first responders and a paramedic reached her, but called on Brecon Mountain Rescue Team for support because of the rough terrain.

Fourteen members of the team set up a shelter to protect her from the snow and wind and put her into a vacuum stretcher to immobilise her.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey was scrambled and winched her to safety.

She was flown to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, where she was treated for back injuries and hypothermia.

Dave Coombs, deputy team leader Brecon MRT, said: “The conditions on Sunday night were bitterly cold.

“The girl had been lying on the ground unable to move for some time and was suffering from hypothermia as well as back injuries.

“We were able to protect her from the elements and then worked with the RAF search and rescue team to airlift her to safety.”