A Lake District rescue team warned that the summit of England’s highest mountain is covered in hard snow and winter gear is advisable.
The warning came after Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to help a couple who were stuck on a ledge on Scafell Pike.
The team was alerted at 1pm on Sunday after the pair rang police to say they were stranded between the main path down from the 978m (3,209ft) summit and Pikes Crag.
The walkers had strayed on to difficult ground covered in hard snow and rescuers said the two were unsure where to go.
The Wasdale team used mobile phone technology to determine the couple’s position, and team members who were already on the mountain went to their aid.
Rescuers roped the couple to safety, cutting steps with ice axes.
A team spokesperson said: “Please note that the snow high on Scafell Pike is firm at the moment. Winter boots, axe and crampons are advisable.”
The 3½-hour rescue involved 10 Wasdale MRT members and was the team’s 69th of the year.
JT
04 December 2012Advisable? Essential I would have thought.
derek
04 December 2012Winter gear is "advisable" ?? I would suggest not even leaving the house without such gear !!
M
05 December 2012Mountain Rescue Team’s are not there to dictate what people should and shouldn’t carry whilst out on the mountain. Mountain Rescue Teams do however give advice to people which are almost always along the lines of, stay within your limits and go prepared for the worst. It is down to the individual to make a sensible judgement as to what equipment they should take, taking into account their personal / group’s ability and experience and all of the other information available prior to heading into the hills, including the weather forecasts.
An ice axe and crampons can be more of a danger if you do not know how to use them properly and can lead to people doing more than their ability allows.
In summary, people should be advised to stay within their limits, and within their personal experience. The fundamentals of staying safe within the mountain environment are to be able to remain in control of your situation at all times. Avoidable call outs are made when people go out without considering the above and step outside their personal abilities. Anyone can carry a map and compass, can everyone use them? The same could be said about winter kit?
Helen
17 January 2013It's just plain irresponsible to walk in full winter conditions without the correct gear!