The woman headed for Barf's summit after her rescue. Photo: David Rogers CC-BY-SA-2.0

An octogenarian walker continued to the summit of a Lakeland fell after being rescued when she got stuck on steep ground.

The 81-year-old solo walker strayed from the footpath leading up Barf from Thornthwaite yesterday and ended up on difficult ground just below Slape Crag.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 12.25pm after the walker got stuck on craggy terrain.

A team spokesperson said: “She became cragfast, and decided she needed assistance. Rightly so, as this is an area where a number of serious accidents have occurred in recent years.

“The team sent out a small group, approaching from above and below, and located her fairly quickly.

“She was assisted up to the next level with a rope, and then pointed in the direction of the summit.

“The team then returned to base, all hoping that they would be as fit and determined to reach the top at 81.”

The rescue lasted just over two hours and involved 15 volunteer members of the Keswick team.