The three got stuck in the dark on Jack's Rake on Pavey Ark
Rescuers warned walkers to pack a torch after three people were rescued after getting benighted on a Lake District scrambling route.
Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 8.50pm yesterday after the trio got stuck in the dark on Jack’s Rake on Pavey Ark.
The grade-one scrambling route was the scene of two deaths and one serious injury last year.
A team spokesperson said: “Three intrepid explorers went exploring, at 4pm, but without a map or torch.
“So when it went dark and they had to stop exploring because there was nothing to see, including the way down.
“We went a showed them the way. I hope they won’t make the same mistake again.”
The spokesperson added: “Whatever time of year, always carry a torch.
“You never know when or why you may be delayed. When it goes dark in the hills, it usually goes very dark.
“There’s little ambient light unless you are lucky to be out when there is a good moon and little cloud.
“It’s worth carry a set of spare batteries as well. If you’re lucky they’ll be the same size as other devices you might be carrying such as GPS.
“Modern LED torches are very reliable, and batteries last a long time, and it’s well worth considering a headtorch in favour of a hand torch, leaving your hands free.”
Seven team members were involved in the four-hour rescue.
Keith Parker
10 October 2013When are Mountain rescue going to start sending a bill to these muppets???
Angela Avalon
10 October 2013That route is challenging enough in the light; well I personally found it challenging. Don't want to even imagine it in the dark. Some people have no idea
Nick Owen, Team Leader, Langdale Ambleside MRT
11 October 2013To be fair, they were off the route by the time it went dark... and since they are just setting off in their (hopefully) life-long love of the hills, they are entitled to make a few mistakes.... I hope they won't make the same mistake again, and I doubt they will. So, Kieth Parker, we won't send them the bill in the same way as we won't be sending you a bill if we ever have to rescue you :-)
Joe Sawyer
11 October 2013So they didn't get "stuck in the dark on Jack's Rake" like it says at the start of the article above, then?
Come on, Grough, we could do without sensationalism.
Sheepy
11 October 2013Nick I admire your patience.
Which is why I would never be any good in MRT because I'd just want to shout at them or cuff them round the back of the head.
Keep up the good work!
HairyWookie
13 October 2013It does seem an all too common occurence; I dont whats going on with the new starters whereby its "cool" to not have the correct kit; no torches, no waterproofs, no rations, soft shoes not correct boots, GPS device only no map & compass. Maybe its an education thing?
I was in all the Scout factions, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures & Rangers, and have seen many sights of ill prepared folk whilst out & about; it does seem to have gotten worse over the past few years.
D of E at high school was a great education for many others from my school; hopefully those who still go out in the hills carry all the correct kit as they were instructed to.
No real excuses these days; kit isnt expensive, and more than enough advice on internet etc.
Alan
13 October 2013Muppets again come to mind. It takes time to get dark, plenty of time at dusk to turn around
Scott
14 October 2013Seems like pure muppetry to me. Clip round the ear, send them the bill and then lock them up in an institution where they can be no further threat to society at large!
Dougie
15 October 2013Give them a break, we all make mistakes, on the hill, driving on the road, wherever. This is called experiential learning and it is one of the most powerful learning tools there is. Hope they carry on exploring the hills and have at least half the fun we all get from it.
Paul T
04 September 2014I did Jacks Rake yesterday and there were a couple of places where I had a loss of confidence for a minute when I thought I couldn't move up. After calming down I was fine. What bothers me is that some people read one article describing the route as 'easy', using words like 'no problem' in their description. What it doesn't tell the family man looking to take his kids on an adventure is that quite often the articles are written by climbers or walkers with years of experience. People have tried climbing it thinking trainers are all that's needed. Read lots of articles, watch lots of YouTube videos, and most of all, when you get to Stickle Tarn, look at Jacks Rake!