A BORDERS Search and Rescue leader has told of a late-night scramble to find two Danish students on the Border Ridge and Pennine Way.

The two women from Denmark set off on the hike from Kirk Yetholm, on the northern end of the Pennine Way on Thursday, March 2, with the aim to camp at Windy Gyle and carry on to Byrness the following day.

However, the journey for the pair soon turned treacherous after they were caught up in heavy snow, and lost their bearings to find the Refugee Hut on Auchope Ridge as the countryside plunged into darkness.

Stuck alone in the pitch-black conditions, far from shelter and without an adequate tent, the pair scrambled for phone signal to call for help.

Stuart Fuller-Shapcott, team leader from the Border Search and Rescue (BSARU) said: “They made a 112 call for help and asked for fire rescue.

This was then routed to the police by the Fire Service, who called out BSARU. No hint of a location was available, even after phone conversations. 

“A mobile-phone utility called SARLOC was used very successfully, and pinpointed their position a couple of kilometres north-east of Windy Gyle, and only a stone’s-throw from where we rescued a party of ten less than three weeks ago. 

“The young women had just started the climb towards their exposed destination, which lies on the Pennine Way at 619m (a shade under 2,000ft) and became aware that they were getting increasingly tired and cold, and were far outside their comfort zone. 

“20 team members were available, having been diverted en route to our monthly business meeting, and made their way to Cocklawfoot Farm in the remote Bowmont Valley, and from there onto the hill.

“Conditions at valley level were extraordinarily muddy and slippery after recent rain and snow-melt, which made vehicular access to the hill difficult.”

Luckily, a local farmer also lent a helping hand in the rescue efforts, shuttling some of the BSARU members onto the hill in a six-wheel All Terrain Vehicle, with the remaining team making their way on foot.

Stuart added: “They were found cold and a bit scared but otherwise unharmed. We warmed them and walked them to the Border Gate, where the farmer collected them and ferried them down into the valley. 

“Once again, we’re indebted to Rob at Cocklawfoot for help in a rescue on the Border Ridge. We also had valuable help with the SARLOC system from our colleagues in the Northumberland Teams.

“The girls on this occasion were just a bit inexperienced and under-equipped in terms of kit and hill-craft to be tackling the Cheviots in winter conditions.

“No doubt, after a few days’ reflection, they’ll carry on with their holiday a little wiser for the experience. We wish them happy travels.”