Stranded An Teallach walkers had ‘practically no appropriate clothing, equipment or experience’
TWO poorly equipped overseas visitors became stranded on a famous Ross-shire peak that has been the scene of a number of fatal accidents down the years.
The An Teallach incident triggered a full callout of the Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team on Friday evening - and later prompted a heartfelt warning about the need to be properly equipped and suitably experienced for such a venture.
The alarm was raised after the walkers became crag fast on the slopes of Sgurr Fiona, described by Walkhighlands as “the finer of the two Munro summits on the magnificent ridge of An Teallach”.
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The team was contacted by police asking for assistance in rescuing the two who had become stranded after the cloud cover had descended around them.
As the team mustered at its Dundonnell base, it was able to SARLOC their phone and get a location for them.
SARLOC is a free, web-based system that mountain rescue teams use to locate lost walkers and climbers by sending a text message with a link to the person's smartphone.
Two hill parties then deployed to the mountain.
Once found they were given some food, warm clothing walked off the mountain back to the base before being driven to the Dundonnell Hotel campsite.
Everyone was off the mountain and home by 1.30am.
The team said later that walkers had undertaken the trek “with practically no appropriate clothing, equipment or experience”.
And while it was a good outcome without injury, the incident prompted a warning that the An Teallach ridge has been the scene of a number of fatal accidents over the years. The team said: “It is not a place to be without the appropriate clothing, equipment, planning and - in particular - mountain experience.”
Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team is a registered Scottish charity. Made up entirely of volunteers, the team is on call 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and relies on donations to carry out its potentially lifesaving work. Donations are always gratefully received. To donate, please visit the website: Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team - JustGiving