The walker died after falling from Striding Edge. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A walker has died after falling from Striding Edge on England’s third-highest mountain.

The 71-year-old man suffered fatal injuries in the incident on Helvellyn on Thursday.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, which was called out to aid the walker, said the weather was good. A spokesperson added that the man died ‘while taking part in an activity which he loved’.

A Coastguard helicopter flew to the scene and flew in walker to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

The spokesperson said: “Team members spent several hours yesterday morning attempting to locate his belongings under Striding Edge, on the Nethermost side. We didn’t find anything despite several sweeps of the area.

“As the team reached the bad step they were called to assist a Scout group on the other side of the valley. A 17-year-old reported multiple injuries having been blown over on a path.

“He didn’t fall far but, given the reported injuries, we called for support from the Coastguard again. He was airlifted to hospital. Some team members were out for nine hours yesterday.

“The weather yesterday afternoon was downright grim. We went out early in the day to avoid the worst part of the forecast but were operating in really strong winds and hailstorms, both of which made movement difficult. The weather was forecast.

“Please check a weather forecast, such as Mountain Weather Information Service, and make good decisions based on the information.

“If you’re carrying big rucksacks you’re likely to feel the impact of the wind. If the forecast says walking will be ‘arduous’ as it did yesterday, consider a lower level walk.”