Ben Nevis rescue: Walkers urged to ensure they are properly-equipped after 'ridiculous' climb by woman wearing shorts and carrying a selfie stick

Sara Albone became disorientated and began to develop hypothermia after being caught on Britain's highest mountain wearing summer clothing

A view of the north ridge of Ben Nevis. A woman from Brighton had to be rescued from the mountain when she attempted to climb it without the appropriate clothing and equipment (Getty)

Ramblers are being urged by rescuers to ensure they are properly equipped – after a woman attempted Britain’s highest mountain wearing summer clothes and armed only with a selfie stick.

Sara Albone, 28, had to be rescued after she became disorientated and began to develop hypothermia after being caught on Ben Nevis wearing shorts and trainers.

She was found by chance after she became lost on the North Face of the 4,400ft Scottish mountain, where several climbers have been killed in recent months.

Ms Albone, from Brighton, issued an apology and thanked the mountain rescue volunteers who walked her down the mountain wen cloud and heavy rain made her unreachable by helicopter.

John Stevenson, team leader at the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said it was “ridiculous” to attempt to climb the mountain, where the summit remains in “full-blown winter”, without the right equipment or support.

“Being irresponsible means others have to go out of their way to help,” he said.

Ms Albone, a keen cross-country runner who decided to climb the mountain on the spur of the moment while on a cycling tour through Scotland, later praised her “incredibly brave and kind” rescuers.

She added: “I think if it had not been for these guys, I could have died.”

Andrew Simpson, from Mountain Rescue England and Wales, said walkers need to ensure they are properly equipped with winter clothing, a hot drink and food.

He said: “She was very lucky. It’s vital that people have the right equipment when they go into the mountains.”