The man had taken the Ted Baker Walk to the main ridge then left the trail and went climbing on one of the rock formations to the north of the walk.

He slipped and fell around 10 metres down a rock chimney he was trying to negotiate and suffered a broken ankle.

When he found himself unable to walk he contacted 000 with his mobile phone.

Bulahdelah ambulance, police and the VRA Rescue Squad responded.

A command post was established at the entry to Kestevens Trail and manned by police and ambulance officers.

Four members of the VRA, an ambulance officer and a police officer hiked to the top of the mountain carrying a stokes litter and first aid equipment.

The hiker was located after a short search.

Due to the nature of the terrain assistance was sought from an ambulance rescue helicopter which was brought in from Sydney.

A paramedic and doctor were lowered down to help stabilise the man’s injury.

He was later winched out and flown to John Hunter Hospital.

He was listed in a satisfactory condition with the broken ankle his only injury.