The helicopter winchman at the site next to Red Tarn. Photo: Patterdale MRT

A walker was airlifted to hospital after falling from Striding Edge on Helvellyn.

The woman suffered injuries in a tumbling fall of about 80m from the ridge, coming to rest close to Red Tarn.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted to the incident by Cumbria Constabulary.

The walker was making the traverse of the grade-one scramble with friends when she slipped. A team spokesperson said: “Thankfully, the accident was witnessed by members of the public who quickly responded and provided immediate first aid. After the initial assessment they called Cumbria police who alerted the team.”

Because of the location and the nature of the injuries, the team requested the help of an air ambulance and a Coastguard helicopter with winching capabilities.

Eighteen Patterdale MRT volunteers made their way to the scene, along with technical and medical equipment. The spokesperson said: “On scene the lady was assessed by medical teams from all agencies before being transferred by search and rescue aircraft to hospital for further treatment.

“Our thanks go to members of the public who responded quickly to the incident along with our partner agencies for their prompt response.”

The incident lasted four hours.