The woman took shelter at Esk Hause. Photo: KA CC-BY-SA-2.0

A walker who suffered hypothermia while tackling England’s highest mountain was told by rescuers to make her way to lower ground to get out of gale-force winds.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team told the 41-year-old woman that waiting an hour for them to reach her at Esk Hause would probably make things worse for her.

The team was called about 2.30pm yesterday by the woman, who was attempting the ascent of Scafell Pike but had taken shelter in strong winds at the exposed col between Allen Crags and Great End.

A team spokesperson said: “Once her condition had been established, it was pointed out that staying put at high level in strong wind was likely to make things worse, and the team were likely to be nearly an hour getting to them.

“If, however, they set off down the hill, they would get warmer through exercise, the air temperature would improve, and it would also mean they met up with the team sooner.

“Sure enough, the lady had improved somewhat by the time the team met them at the top of Grains Gill, though she was still very cold.”

Team members then helped the pair down to Seathwaite.

The rescue lasted more than 5½ hours.