A REMINDER has been issued for people to take maps and compasses out on walks with them following a night-time rescue from the summit of Helvellyn.

Rescuers also stressed that the weather, even in summer, could be 'appalling on the tops' following Friday's callout to two women in their twenties.

The walkers in this case were reported as suitably-clothed for the poor conditions but did not have a map or compass.

A spokesman for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (KMRT) said the pair had set off with a sprocker spaniel at around 2pm, intending to do a circular route taking in a number of Wainwrights and beginning with Clough Head.

He said: "They were experienced fell walkers and were well-dressed for the pretty awful weather that was forecast.

"Armed with their guide book and phones they made steady progress but somehow missed their turn just after Stybarrow Dodd, where they should have turned down to descend to the valley from Sticks Pass.

"They continued along the ridge in the cloud, rain and wind, gradually becoming aware that they had gone too far.

"With phone batteries almost dead and darkness approaching they called 999 and asked for mountain rescue assistance."

KMRT was called out to the incident at 9.30pm. The location of the walkers on the summit of Helvellyn was established using the 'phone find' system.

The spokesman said it was initially a 'warm and wet walk' from Swirls Car Park, by Thirlmere, but the 'wind increased dramatically and the temperature dropped' as team members approached the top of Brown Cove Crags.

He said: "The women and dog were located at the summit shelter and were walked off the hill before being driven back to their vehicle.

"A reminder that even in mid-summer the weather can be appalling on the tops.

"They were prepared for the conditions but would have benefitted from a map, compass and head torches."