The walker was found on Byrness Hill. Photo: Dave Dunford CC-BY-SA-2.0

An exhausted walker on the Pennine Way was rescued after becoming dehydrated and distressed.

North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 11pm on Tuesday when staff at a hotel raised the alarm.

Rescuers used the Sarloc smartphone system to locate the walker on the Cheviot Ridge in the North Pennines. The system sends a link to a person’s smartphone which, when followed, allows rescue teams to pinpoint their position.

A team spokesperson said: “The walker, who had been out all day, popped up on the map and the team was able to send a local hill group directly to the distressed walker who, although dehydrated and uncomfortable, was in good spirits following 28 miles of the Pennine Way.

“The team then escorted the walker off the hill to a nearby police support vehicle and onwards to a warm bed in Byrness for the night.

“Many thanks to our friends at Forest View Inn, Byrness who triggered the alarm and stayed up through the night to welcome an unexpected guest.”

The spokesperson added it was the second time the Northumbria mountain rescue service has successfully used and located walkers on that section of the Pennine Way using the technology.