A RESCUE organisation has issued a warning to hikers to be wary of tackling a popular walk with dark night drawing in.

The Cave Rescue Organisation issued a warning to people about the dangers of hill walking in the dark and taking on the popular Three Peaks Walk with less than 12 hours of daylight at this time of year.

A spokesperson for the Cave Rescue Organisation said: "The nights are definitely drawing in now and available daylight hours for walking are getting fewer.

"The Three Peaks Walk, whilst very popular, is a significant challenge; one that normally takes between 10 and 12 hours given average levels of fitness.

"Currently there are less than 12 hours of daylight each day.

"You do the maths, it will involve walking in the dark at some point unless you are very fit.

"Hill walking in the dark can be great fun but requires a much greater range of navigation skills and equipment.

"Torches, warm layers, extra charge for your phone and proper maps or mapping tools are basic essentials.

"What looks simple in daylight becomes much more challenging in the dark – and remember there is no street lighting up on the hill.

"Stay safe."