TWO charity walkers had to be rescued from the Pennine Way on Saturday, after suffering from heat exhaustion.

Both women, who are in their 50s, were near Windy Gyle when they were unable to continue.

The pair, who were originally in a party of ten, set off that morning from Langleeford, south west of Wooler in Northumberland.

But navigational errors resulted them being out on the hill on one of the hottest days of the year for longer than anticipated.

Stuart Fuller Shapcott, team leader at the Borders Search and Rescue Unit said: “It was a pretty straight-forward job for us. The excellent ground conditions meant that were able to get a vehicle very close to where it was needed, allowing a very simple evacuation. 

"The callout demonstrates perfectly a couple of the cardinal rules of heading into the hills. 

"Carry a map and know how to use it. Just as mountain weather can be dangerous in the winter, a long day on the hills in the height of summer can be just as risky. 

"Heat injury is a much under-estimated hazard, and can be just as lethal as hypothermia. 

"The onset can be sudden and symptoms can develop faster. When heading into the hills in the summer it is essential that you carry enough water, loose light clothing, a sun-hat and sunblock. 

"If the forecast (which should always be checked in advance) is for settled fine weather, it’s wise to travel light, with the essentials mentioned above plus lightweight waterproof and an extra layer as the temperature can drop suddenly once the sun goes down. As always, the importance of a map and the necessary navigational skills cannot be overstated."