The rescue scene on Blencathra. Photo: Keswick MRT

A couple had to be rescued after getting stuck on steep ground on Blencathra.

The pair were trying to avoid slippery conditions on a ridge but ventured onto difficult terrain.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 4.55pm on Monday.

A team spokesperson said: “With Sharp Edge cloaked in mist, a couple tried to avoid the notorious wet slippy rock by attempting a lower-level traverse.

“However, having reached the gnarly Foule Crag area they became cragfast and called for assistance.”

A small number of Keswick MRT members made their way to the top of Sharp Edge and, after finally locating the couple in the mist, set up a rope system to enable them to be brought up 50m to the ridge.

“From here they scrambled to safe ground at the top protected by a rope,” the spokesperson said.

The incident lasted just over 4½ hours and involved nine team volunteers.