Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Injured hillwalker crawls for hours to safety in one of UK's most remote areas

Uninjured partner set off on five-hour walk the next day to raise the alarm

Kenza Bryan
Sunday 23 July 2017 13:30 EDT
Comments
Ben Lomond, Stirlingshire
Ben Lomond, Stirlingshire

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

An injured hillwalker crawled for hours before being rescued from one of the remotest parts of the UK.

The woman and another walker were completing the c in north west Scotland on Friday, a popular ascent of mountains over 3000ft.

She slipped and suffered an ankle injury that prevented her from walking any further, mountain rescuers said.

After a "lengthy crawl" lasting a number of hours, the pair spent Friday night out on the mountain side, Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) said.

The uninjured walker then set off on a five-hour walk in the early hours of Saturday to raise the alarm.

Fifteen members of the team and a helicopter from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis were involved in the rescue operation.

The woman was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for medical treatment.

Donald MacRae, team leader of Dundonnell MRT, said on its Facebook page: "The couple did the right thing and were both well equipped.

"We were very grateful for the air assistance received as it would otherwise have resulted in over a 10 hour stretcher carry given the truly remote location.

“Fifteen team members mustered at their Dundonnell Base along with a Rescue Helicopter from Stornoway.

“The casualty was quickly located and airlifted to Raigmore Hospital for medical treatment.”

The Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team is made up of 35 volunteers in an area of Scotland spanning more than 2,600 square miles.

“Whilst the mountains are spectacular, the terrain is extremely hazardous,” its website warns.

“Mountain ridges are steep and remote - often miles from any type of track and one of the main challenges facing the team are the vast distances involved.”

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in