The family had difficulty descending the Ptarmigan Ridge on Ben Lomond

A family had to be brought to safety from Scotland’s most southerly munro after they ran out of daylight.

Rescuers said the four walkers underestimated the difficulty of the descent from Ben Lomond and called for help.

Lomond Mountain Rescue Team was alerted late yesterday and its members were called out about 10.50pm.

A team spokesperson said: “Meeting at Rowardennan, the first team members left the car park at 11.27pm and quickly spotting the light from their mobile phone on the Ptarmigan Ridge. The initial search team arrived with the family at 11.44.

“The four were cold and tired, one having a minor injury from a slip further up the path, but no medical treatment was required.

“They had an enjoyable walk up the main path earlier in the day, but had underestimated the difficulty of the Ptarmigan path on descent. Travelling very slowly, and without torches, darkness fell and, after one of the teenagers slipped in the poor visibility, they decided to stay still and contact mountain rescue.”

The four were escorted to safety and arrived back at Rowardennan on the shore of Loch Lomond about 45 minutes past midnight.

The rescue involved 15 volunteer members of Lomond MRT.