Three people stranded on snowy hill after going off-route in Cairngorms National Park rescued

Three people who became stranded on a snowy hill after going off-route in Cairngorms National Park were rescued safely on Wednesday night.

Crews from the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) were called out at 5.30pm yesterday to reports of three people who had become “crag fast,” or stranded, after going off route on the Coire an Lochan.

Without ropes and technical equipment, CMRT said the group was unable to ascend or retreat off of the climb.

Some 22 rescuers made their way onto the steep hill and were able to arrange a rigging system, which allowed one team member to be lowered down to the people stranded.

The group were then hauled up to safety one at a time.

CMRT reported that all three were “very cold”, however after some rewarming were able to walk off the hill with rescuers and arrived at the base by 1am on Thursday morning.

A statement by the rescue team read: “This is the second call out within a week of this nature. The current lean snow conditions are leading to difficult conditions even on normal lower grade routes.”

CMRT is an individual charity, and relies on public donations to fund the work it does. Donations can be made via its website.