WATCH: University climbers off-route in Coire an Lochan rescued in 'very challenging' call-out

Three university climbers were rescued in the Cairngorms early today after standing in freezing conditions on a precarious ledge for five hours.

The trio – in their 30s – from Southampton University had no ropes or harness equipment and became stuck 3500 feet up Coire an Lochan.

The seven-and-a-half rescue was described as 'very challenging'.

The alarm was first raised at 5.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) and 22 members of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team went to their aid.

"They were about 60 metres (196 feet) from the top but were off route. They had no ropes or harnesses," said Iain Cornfoot, leader of Cairngorm MRT.

"They had an ice axe and crampons, but it was not enough for the conditions.

"They had become crag fast after going off route in Coire an Lochan. Without ropes and technical equipment the three were unable to ascend or retreat from the climb.

"The conditions were very challenging with wind chill taking the temperature down to minus 4 C at the summit."

Winds were also 25-30mph.

The lack of snow has made what is usually an easy route with good snow cover now very difficult.

Mr Cornfoot said: "The snow cover is very weak. They were very cold - they had been standing on cold ground for five hours.

"They were prepared for the usual conditions but not how they are now. They had no way to get out of where they were.

"We were able to set up a rigging system that allowed one team member to be lowered down to the casualties. Each casualty was then hauled up to safety one at a time.

"They were relatively close together, but could not make themselves comfortable as they were on a steep snow slope.

"They were very cold but after some rewarming they were able to walk off the hill with everyone back at base for 1am.

"This is the second call out within a week of this nature involving university teams.

"The current lean snow conditions are leading to difficult conditions even on normal lower grade routes."

On Sunday the team were called out after another three climbers became cragfast in strong winds on Coire an t-Sneachda.

Winds were blasting over 100 mph at the summit that day.

Cairngorm MRT members and a coastguard search and rescue helicopter were dispatched, but were stood down as the three climbers from York University were helped to safety by fellow climbers and a RAF MRT, who were in the area training.

After a spate of deaths on Scotland's hills, police have warned over a 'false sense of security' among walkers and climbers.

An unseasonal lack of snow in some places has led some mountaineers to believe that that was typical cover elsewhere on the hill.

Inspector Matt Smith, Police Scotland lead for mountain rescue, said:“Our volunteer and Police mountain rescue teams have dealt with a number of tragic incidents in recent weeks. It’s still winter, despite what it may look like further down.

"I’d urge anyone setting out to plan for all eventualities."

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