A walker who slipped while stopping to take a picture at a beauty spot and fell into freezing water in a gorge sent his goodbyes to his loved ones as he was convinced he was not going to survive.
Dan Crank, 25, had been camping in Scotland as he attempted to complete the 154 km walk known as the West Highland Way when he stopped in Finnich Glen at an area known as the Devil's Pulpit.
Tragedy struck when the 25-year-old had slipped down a steep gorge and into freezing water as he stopped to take a picture of the beautiful scenery.
After he fell into the river another walker went to get help as the stricken hiker managed to haul himself onto a rock.
Dan managed to call 999 for help before he began to slip in and out of consciousness, as well as the messages to his family.
The experienced walker told the Daily Record : "It was absolute agony at first and then I started going numb.
“I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I text my family saying my goodbyes as I thought I was gone. I did not think anyone would get to me in time.
"The cold was unbearable, I could barely walk, I was bouncing around I was shivering that much. I couldn't even control my breathing, I was struggling to catch my breath.
“I have never felt anything like it and I'm a farmer so I'm used to the cold. If mountain rescue didn't get to me as quickly as they did, I would have died.
“I can't thank them and the emergency services enough for putting themselves in harm’s way to save me."
After being found Dan spent two hours in an ambulance while paramedics tried to heat up his body temperature.
As roads were closed because of the weather it would have taken two hours to get to hospital so it was decided his BnB staff would take care of him through the night.
He added: "I'm feeling drained and tired so I've been told I need to stay here and rest for a few days to recover.
“But I feel incredibly lucky. I had thermals on and the right clothing, and I have survival skills through courses, so I dread to think what it would be like if I didn't.
"Devil's Pulpit is a dangerous place and I understand local people's frustration. I think the place should be shut off, I wouldn't even feel comfortable going in summer."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of concern for a person who had fallen at Finnich Glen, Stirling, around 3.45pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.
“Officers attended alongside a mountain rescue team and ambulance service.
“A 25-year-old man was rescued and checked over.”
