Polish hillwalker found safe after getting lost in Cairngorms

By FRANK URQUHART
Published on 13/10/2012 03:06

A HILLWALKER, who called the Police after spending a day and night lost and disorientated in the heart of the Cairngorms, has been found safe and well.

The climber, a Polish national, contacted Northern Constabulary on Thursday afternoon to report that he had become lost in the mist on his descent from the summit of Ben MacDui, Scotland’s second highest peak.

He was found safe and well late on Thursday night following a search by members of the Cairngorm and Braemar mountain rescue teams.

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “About 3.30pm on Thursday Police at Aviemore were contacted by a 46 year-old Polish male who had ascended Ben MacDui on Wednesday and had then got lost in the mist.

“The male had been lost on the Cairngorm plateau all night and all the following day. He had run out of food, was confused and was uncertain of his whereabouts. The overnight weather forecast was for severe overnight rain.

“Twenty seven mountain rescue team members from Cairngorm and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams were deployed to the area.”

The spokesman continued: “At 10.17pm on Thursday the male was traced in the Coire Raibert area of Cairngorm, above Loch Avon, by members of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue and was assisted to safety. He was tired and hungry but unhurt.

“This is a timely reminder of the need for hill goers to carry appropriate navigation equipment and have the necessary skills to use the equipment.”