Injured hillwalker crawls for hours to safety in one of UK's most remote areas

An injured hillwalker crawled for hours before being rescued from one of the remotest parts of the UK.

The woman and another walker were completing the c in north west Scotland on Friday, a popular ascent of mountains over 3000ft.

She slipped and suffered an ankle injury that prevented her from walking any further, mountain rescuers said.

After a "lengthy crawl" lasting a number of hours, the pair spent Friday night out on the mountain side, Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) said.

The uninjured walker then set off on a five-hour walk in the early hours of Saturday to raise the alarm.

Fifteen members of the team and a helicopter from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis were involved in the rescue operation.

The woman was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for medical treatment.

Donald MacRae, team leader of Dundonnell MRT, said on its Facebook page: "The couple did the right thing and were both well equipped.

"We were very grateful for the air assistance received as it would otherwise have resulted in over a 10 hour stretcher carry given the truly remote location.

“Fifteen team members mustered at their Dundonnell Base along with a Rescue Helicopter from Stornoway.

“The casualty was quickly located and airlifted to Raigmore Hospital for medical treatment.”

The Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team is made up of 35 volunteers in an area of Scotland spanning more than 2,600 square miles.

“Whilst the mountains are spectacular, the terrain is extremely hazardous,” its website warns.

“Mountain ridges are steep and remote - often miles from any type of track and one of the main challenges facing the team are the vast distances involved.”

Press Association