Cross Fell, highest point in the Pennine range

Rescuers have reminded outdoor enthusiasts they need to remember daylight hours are shortening, after a walker had to be helped from the highest hill in the Pennines.

The man called for help about 10pm from Cross Fell, saying he was lost on the 890m (2,930ft) hill, the highest in England outside the Lake District.

A Penrith Mountain Rescue Team spokesperson said: “He was alone and inexperienced but well equipped.

“Despite attempts to guide the walker in the right direction, he was unhappy on steep ground in the dark and fog, so he wisely decided to stay put.

“A team vehicle was dispatched to Cross Fell, via Garrigill. Around this time contact with the missing individual was lost, so the full team was called out. Patterdale and Teesdale MRTs were also asked to assist and six search dogs were en-route, and Kirkby Stephen MRT was about to be asked.

“Fortunately, around 2am, the team members who had left the Land Rover near Greg’s Hut located the casualty near the edge of Cross Fell’s summit plateau. He was cold but otherwise well and very relieved to be found.”

Team leader Mike Hill said: “As the autumn nights draw in, walkers need to anticipate darkness and weather conditions and have a suitable torch with spare batteries.

“They also need to plan routes that take into account their experience and the time available.”