Hill warning after rescue team called out twice

were issue a warning this week after the Arran Mountain Rescue Team were called out twice in three days.

Anyone venturing into the mountains at this time of year is being reminded it gets dark far earlier in the day and due to the winter conditions the mountains can become a far more serious undertaking. A fully charged head torch with spare batteries along with full winter kit is advised.

The team would also ask anyone heading into the hills at the moment to take extra care as the paths, including lower paths, are very icy in places.

The warning comes after the team were called out around 4.30pm last Wednesday to assist a female walker with two dogs who had lost the path on Goatfell due to the snow and fading light.

The team split into two groups with one setting off towards the summit via the tourist path and the other group over Maol Don towards the Coire Lan path. The walker and her two dogs were spotted near the shoulder area and both teams made their way to that location and assisted them down off the hill to safety.

Treacherous

In the second incident last Friday they were called out around 5.30pm after two walkers and their dog become crag-fast due to treacherous icy conditions and failing light while descending Cioch na h’Oighe. Thankfully communications were established via mobile phone between the walkers and team members, enabling them to pinpoint the walkers’ lights on the ridge from Glen Sannox. The team split into two groups with the first group heading up in the Argo cat to reach the walkers quickly and the remainder of the team on foot from the track at Glen Sannox. The walkers were located on some very steep icy ground and it involved a technical rescue to lower them to safety. Although cold, both walkers and their dog were uninjured and were able to walk off the hill with the team.

If an emergency situation occurs and you need to call mountain rescue for help, Call 999, ask for the police first, then mountain rescue.