THE Tavistock branch of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Group was called out just before midnight on Monday, to look for a man who had got lost in thick mist on the moors. The man, from Poole in Dorset, had been camping and walking on Dartmoor for almost a week when he became disorientated and was unable to find his way off the moor. Bill McOwan, the controller for Tavistock Section, was able to speak to the lost man by mobile phone and, with his knowledge of Dartmoor, established that the man was on Leeden Tor, between Princetown and Yelverton. Although not far from a road, the man did not have a compass or torch, was very wet and sounded in a distressed state and Bill made the decision to call out the team. Using a group of runners, the man was found quickly and escorted to the rescue vehicle where he was met by the police. All team members were off the moor by 2am. The rescue team advised walkers to be aware that the weather on Dartmoor is very changeable and that they need to be prepared for all conditions — dress appropriately, always carry a map, compass and spare, suitable, warm clothing.
