Using a map and compass are essential skills for fellwalkers

A report by the Lake District Search & Mountain Rescue Association gives statistics for the county's 13 teams.

It shows teams dealt with 366 incidents, up from 328 in 2003, which involved 437 people, up from 350 the year before.

Rescuers say one of their concerns is parties that get lost.

The association said the rise should be noted and cannot be put down only to the poor weather.

Essential skills

It said the increase was mirrored nationally and some parties seem not to have enough experience in navigating in poor weather or on unfamiliar terrain.

The association says carrying and being able to use a map and compass are essential skills for fellwalkers.

Figures show there was also a three-fold increase in the number of non-mountain searches attended, when teams helped police.

The number of incidents when helicopters were involved rose from 80 in 2003 to 112 in 2004.

The Association said the increase was mainly due to the availability of the North West and the Great North Air Ambulances, although nearly half of the helicopters came from RAF Boulmer, in Northumberland.