An exhausted Lake District walker was escorted to safety by a mountain rescue team.
Cumbria police was called at around 2.30am on Thursday.
A group of walkers had set off at 3pm that day to watch the sunset from Scafell Pike.
While the majority of the group had returned to their accommodation, two men were still on the fell.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team were called out.
The team said: “They had underestimated the route, the time required, and their food and water needs.”
Team members met the walkers, provided food and water, and attempted a supported walk-off.
The team added: “After around 20 minutes, the exhausted male’s condition began to deteriorate, prompting the team leader to request additional team members in case a stretcher evacuation became necessary.
“Fortunately, with further hydration and food, both walkers were able to continue under their own power and were safely escorted off the hill without needing a stretcher.
“They were dropped at Wasdale Head, where they waited for a taxi.”
The team thanked the Wasdale Head for allowing the pair to rest, rehydrate, and get additional food and water.
Exhaustion, hydration and energy on the fells
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team say:
- A fell walk of around 4 hours can burn 1,200–2,000+ calories — and longer routes burn even more. That’s on top of your normal daily energy needs.
- If you don’t replace that energy, your strength, co-ordination and decision‑making drop fast.
- In warm weather you’ll typically need 0.5–1 litre per hour — often 2–4 litres total. A single 500 ml bottle isn’t enough
