Tourists to Ben Nevis are underestimating the climb

Rescuers said people are ignoring basic mountain safety rules.

They advised that even in high summer, the mountains can be treacherous.

Ben Nevis, the country's highest peak, has a so-called tourist path and when the sun is shining, it can look like a relatively easy climb.

Proper equipment

But mountain rescuers have been responding to half a dozen call-outs every week because tourists have underestimated the conditions and have either fallen ill or got lost.

One day earlier this week, the Lochaber rescue team went to the aid of one man with dehydration and another suffering from hypothermia.

And on Sunday, at Glen Etive in Argyll, rescue teams were called out to help a group of four climbers who had gone walking without the proper equipment.

Safety experts said everyone heading for the hills should have proper boots, warm and waterproof clothing, a map and a compass.