Rescuers led the two walkers to safety from Great End. Photo: Keswick MRT

A woman and her son were rescued after getting into difficulties on the Scafell range.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 3.05pm on Monday when the pair were reported stuck in a gully high on the western side of Great End.

The team said the woman quickly became cold because of an existing medical condition.

A Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “Given the prevailing conditions, and the rapidly approaching darkness, the team set off to Seathwaite swiftly with two vehicles full of personnel, to try to locate her in daylight.

“While they were en route, the team leader checked on the availability of a winching helicopter, given that it would be sometime before the team could be on scene, and the possible onset of hypothermia.

“Wasdale team was alerted, and prepared to come out to assist in the search.

“An S-92 [helicopter] from the Coastguard flight at Prestwick was scrambled, and made for the top of Great End. Meanwhile communications with the casualty proved difficult, and it was nearly an hour before she was in contact to confirm that she was now at the top of Great End, having managed to escape from the top of the gully.”

The spokesperson said two team members met the woman and her son at the top of Grains Gill. “After the casualties had been assessed as in no immediate danger, Rescue 999 stood down, and the team walked the two down to Seathwaite.”

The spokesperson thanked colleagues from Wasdale MRT and the crew of the Prestwick Coastguard helicopter for their help.

The 3½-hour rescue involved 20 volunteers from the Keswick team.