A MOUNTAIN rescue team is urging the public to plan ahead after a family became lost on their bikes and spent the night outdoors.

A family group of six people, some as young as 16 years old, hired bikes in Windermere with the intention of riding to Wasdale Head Inn to meet up with other family members.

They did so against the advice of the bike shop owner who highlighted the weather conditions and terrain were unsuitable for the trip. The family did not give a detailed route plan and had unsuitable clothing for the conditions and took minimal provisions.

After the family failed to arrive at the Wasdale Head by 9pm, search efforts were made by multiple mountain rescue teams to find the bikers.

The family then arrived at the Wasdale Head Inn at 8.30am the next morning. Mountain rescue teams are urging the public to always fully prepare for outdoor excursions by planning ahead and tracking the weather.