Hikers saved from 'worst terrain' thank rescuers

Rhod Davey, centre, said it was lovely for the team to get appreciation for their work

A pair of hikers who were rescued after finding themselves in serious trouble during a moorland walk, as thanked the team that came to their aid.

Experienced local hikers Steve and Lynda were enjoying the late summer weather on Sunday when Lynda suffered a painful leg injury in a remote and boggy area near Bellever Tor on Dartmoor.

Unable to walk and surrounded by difficult ground, the pair had no choice but to call for help from Dartmoor Search and Rescue's Tavistock team .

"I honestly don't know what we would've done without them," Lynda said.

"From the moment they arrived, they were incredible," she said.

"They checked me over, made sure I was safe, and then carried me across some of the worst terrain you can imagine."

The rescuers were from a volunteer team that regularly responds to incidents across the moor.

Nine rescuers gave up their Sunday evening to reach the pair and carry Lynda out on a stretcher through dense, boggy ground.

"They even had to lift me over a gate," Lynda said. "The care they gave me was just amazing. I felt so safe the whole time."

Rhod Davey, team leader of Dartmoor Search and Rescue, said: "It's lovely to hear that kind of appreciation.

"We don't do it for thanks, but it's always nice to know we've made a difference."

He added: "Even with the dry weather, Dartmoor can be deceptive. There are hidden dips, tussocks, and boggy patches that make walking extremely difficult."

He also offered advice to fellow walkers: "Guidebooks are a great resource, especially if you're not confident with map reading.

"And remember, shortcuts on a map aren't always shortcuts on the ground."