Ok, so they have assessed the situation and decided that they can self rescue. From their knowledge, skill & situation etc that's a reasonable decision. As far as it goes.

However the issue that I have with this is that, having made the decision to walk out/self rescue, they chose to cut the corner by going across country. That's a bad judgement call. One mishap and your in very serious trouble.

In their shoes I would have stuck to the road. The road is a known quantity. Going across country is an invite to a busted ankle/sprain or worse.

Ok, its further. But shortcuts have a nasty habit of turning into long delays.