A WOMAN was stretchered to safety while descending Scafell Pike after poor weather conditions left helicopter support grounded.

The 47-year-old, who was with her husband, slipped and twisted her knee near Lingmell Col during the descent to Seathwaite on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, which was called out to the incident at around 3.30pm, said the woman had sustained soft-tissue damage and was unable to bear weight.

"Two vehicles were initially sent to Seathwaite in Borrowdale and, as this could be a potentially very long stretcher-carry, a third vehicle was also dispatched," he said.

"By this time the forecasted drizzle had arrived with strong winds on the summits.

"As the team made the long march up the Corridor Route, requests were made for Coastguard helicopter support.

"However, due to the conditions, this was not possible.

"The casualty was eventually located and treated and stretcher options evaluated."

The spokesman said rescuers negotiated 'some steep scree' with a back rope used for safety.

A handover to Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team was made and the casualty was carried down into Wasdale, while KMRT members returned to Seathwaite in darkness via the Corridor Route.