'Winter is back with a vengeance!'

Two hillwalkers stranded by waist deep snow in the Cairngorms had to be rescued by helicopter today (Thurs).

The pair from the Dundee area had spent the night in the Faindouran mountain bothy at Glen Avon.

But the two men's wives raised the alarm after they became concerned that they were overdue from their trek.

Cairngorm and Braemar mountain rescue teams were alerted around 6am and set off but also encountered deep snow.

The Inverness-based Coastguard search and rescue helicopter managed to locate the walkers and airlift them to Glenmore Lodge, the Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre near Aviemore.

Willie Anderson, leader of Cairngorm MRT, said:"They did not have a mobile phone but were otherwise well equipped.

"They just got caught out by the conditions. In fact they only managed to walk 1km in three-and-a-half hours - the snow was that deep. "We also found it tough going. There has been a lot of snow fallen. They were otherwise fine and needed no medical attention."

A spokesman for Braemar MRT warned:"Folks please be aware winter is back with a vengeance on the mountains, careful route choice required, if heading out, read both weather and avalanche forecasts and ensure you have the skills and equipment."

(Photo: Braemar MRT)

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