The walker was lost near Cross Fell

A rescue team stressed the importance of carrying basic kit after a lost walker was found by following blasts from his whistle.

Members of the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team used the low-tech method to locate the walker, from Manchester, on the highest fell in the Pennines.

The man was on the Pennine Way near Cross Fell when he became disorientated in high winds and poor visibility on Sunday.

He was able to call police on his mobile phone and 15 members of the Penrith team searched the fells, along with five search dogs and their handlers.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Search parties set off from Great Dun Fell, and were able to locate the walker in the dark by following the sound of blasts of his whistle.

“He was cold and wet, but otherwise safe and well.”

The rescue took four hours.

The spokesperson added: “This search would have taken much longer had the walker not had a whistle. The value of basic equipment such as whistle, map, compass and torch should not be underestimated.”

Cross Fell rises to a height of 893m (2,930ft) above the Eden Valley in Cumbria and is the highest point on the 429km (267-mile) Pennine Way.

The distress signal with a whistle or torch is six blasts or flashes followed by a minute’s gap. Rescuers will respond by giving three blasts. It is important to continue the signals after hearing or seeing the reply, to help lead rescuers or helpers to the location, as in this case.