A MOUNTAIN rescue team has highlighted the need for fell walkers to use ‘adequate navigation equipment’ after being called out to a hiker who became lost in the Langdales.

Langdale and Ambleside MRT responded after a man walking alone called for help on his mobile phone when he lost his way between Langdale and Grasmere yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

A team spokesman said: “It proved very difficult to locate him, but eventually we worked out where he was. With some guidance by phone he was able to find a way down to Grasmere before it went dark. This was a little unfortunate, because he'd parked his car in Langdale.

The spokesman added: “A smartphone, and the torch and a photo of a map from a book stored on the same phone don't constitute adequate navigation equipment.”

Three rescuers were involved in the incident, which took two hours.