WALKERS who became lost in the dark high on a mountain blackspot have been slammed by mountain rescuers.

Ten people set off from Wasdale Head at 7.15pm on Saturday and reported themselves lost at 2.15am.

They had no map or compass, and were using their mobile phones for directions, which lost signal. Wasdale rescuers said the group had planned to be down in four hours but got lost.

The team leader texted a message which activated GPS and if there is sufficient signal will locate them. They were near the top of Piers Gill, high on the mountain at one of the area's blackspots for lost people and a number of fatalities. They were talked off the mountain by the duty team leader.

"We need to get the message out as this is becoming a nonsense and needs to stop before yet more walkers (and potentially rescuers) suffer hypothermia, injuries and in many of these situations life threatening injuries," said Richard Warren, from the team.