Red Tarn, scene of the rescue

A group of hypothermic walkers was helped from a Lakeland fell after calling out rescuers.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team warned of the increased dangers of wet conditions after the rescue at Red Tarn in Great Langdale.

The team said the cooling effect of the weather is much greater when clothes are wet.

The team was called out about 2.40pm yesterday when a 17-year-old girl became hypothermic.

A spokesperson said: “They had given an accurate description of their location, but the grid reference was 3km out.

“Although their personal equipment was inadequate for the conditions, they did have the good sense to put a tent up and take shelter in it.”

The walker and her two companions were found at the tarn, on the route between Pike of Blisco and Crinkle Crags.

She was treated at the scene and stretchered down from the fell.

The spokesperson said: “Following rewarming, it was possible to walk her off.

“Her two companions had also started to suffer between the first call and the team arriving, so they were checked out and assisted from the hill also.

“Ironically, when temperatures were measured, the one who we were initially called to was the warmest.

“This demonstrates the unpredictable and insidious nature of hypothermia.”

The team said hypothermia can creep up on people.

The spokesperson added: “Have spare, warm clothes, and carry plenty of high energy food to keep glucose levels topped up.

“Beware of wet clothes exposed to the wind. The cooling effect is much greater through wet clothes.”

The four-hour rescue involved 19 volunteer team members.