A man had to be carried below the cloudbase before he was airlifted to hospital after seriously injuring himself in a fall at a north Lakeland blackspot.
The 28-year-old man was scrambling on Sharp Edge on Blencathra on Thursday when he fell 10m (33ft) from the difficult step on the grade-one route.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 11am after receiving reports the man had suffered a compound fracture of his elbow in the fall.
A team spokesperson said: “The team mobilised promptly, and requested the assistance of both air ambulance and a Sea King, in the hope that the casualty could be airlifted swiftly to hospital.
“Unfortunately, the weather did not support that course of action, as the cloudbase was very low. The air ambulance departed, and the Sea King stood by at Carlisle, until the team was able to evacuate the casualty to a point below the cloud where he could be airlifted.
“He was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary for treatment.”
The four-hour rescue involved 19 volunteer members of the Keswick team. The difficult step involves a step downwards on to a narrow ledge of rock from the ridge, with drops on either side, and is a notorious source of callouts for the team.
- grough received the following message on Friday: “Thank you for runing the story on the Sharp Edge accident yesterday.
“However I was not carried out. I walked out 2km with the amazing help of Keswick Mountain Rescue.
“My compond fracture was a smashed forearm and dislocated elbow. Thanks to Carlisle orthopedic staff for putting it back together with aroud 13 pins and plates.”
This route needs better write ups as it is so polished, It should not be attempted in anything but sunny and dry conditions.
stuart
27 September 2014No amount of "write ups" can match one's own common sense. If it doesn't feel right don't do it!
Pete
28 September 2014Perhaps hi-vis orange safety netting should also be run along each side below the ridge - just in case, like.
Katie
28 September 2014Love sharp edge! Been up it on lovely sunny days and a rather hairy/exciting day when it was iced up. Guide books are just what they say, "guides" they do not replace your own experience and the risk assessment you make in your own head on the day. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
heidi
29 September 2014Absolutely agree stuart. .the bad step is at the far end of sharp edge- if the ridge felt slippy or harder than expected, then turn round before you get there!
Mike
04 October 2014"windy, wet and/or icy conditions elevate the whole climb into the realms of mountaineering" according the Mark Richards in the Lakeland Fellranger guide The definitive modern guidebook series to the lakeleand fells. How much more of a warning is needed? Glad the chap is OK, but its nobody's fault but his own. An accident, yes and they happen, but this is a very testing route - but we all take responsibilty for own actions and safety in the hills - or at least we should