I don't know the actual details of this incident, other than what has been reported here, and I dare say there are a lot of "Should haves" being banded around......"He should have known better"...."He should have had more sense" or "He should have chosen a less demanding mountain", etc....up to and including "He should have stayed at home"......and I can understand these are natural thoughts to have given the headlines alone.....and I fully understand that some people will see the whole incident as a waste of time on the part of the S&R team(s) involved, however I would perhaps suggest that if, and it's a big if because as I say, I don't know the details, but if he was as prepared as he thought he was, as fit as he thought he could be at his age, and as determined to be as active as his age allows, then I believe he should be applauded for giving life a go......many his age and younger by half wouldn't even consider it an option.....so whilst it may be that he did make a mistake, miscalculation or simply feel foul of Father Time, I'm all for giving him the benifit of the doubt and say "Congratulations" for giving it a go......!

Well said

Well said, Norman Bradshaw.

Agree wholeheartedly Norman.

I, also, totally agree Norman.

I think it's great that a person of his years still explores the beautiful fells. I hope I can still 'give it a go' if I ever reach that age.

His parting words show a good sense of humour, too :)

Couldn't agree more : )

I'm training officer for the Border Search and Rescue team. I'm 46, and very much hope to be causing exactly this sort of bother when I'm 84. Well done that man! There'll not be a single member of the Keswick team who wouldn't be delighted to have taken part in this one.

And well done to the three young women who helped him down as far as they could. It is good to know that walkers helping walkers is still a basic instinct in all of those who love the outdoors. Saving life and preventing suffering and distress remains my motto which helps me to be non judgemental in the majority of situations. I am sure the gentlemen was grateful to those who were called away from home to help him down the mountain.

You are bang on there Norman Bradshaw. I spent many years in mountain rescue and would not have any issue with attending this kind of incident. He is worth ten of those who are critical of him. Hope you are out again soon sir.

I was on a break in the Lakes with the 3 women rescuers. They too would agree with you.

Well said that man!

Absolutely concur with all of the above I'm 67 and can still run on the fells and I hope that at 84 I am still on them. He had true grit and determination and his spirit should be applauded. Well done also to the three young ladies and to the MRT.

Agreed. Hard to comment as we don't know his history. I can't imagine he just stopped his car on the 66 on impulse and decided to go up the mountain. I'm getting to the age (60 next year) when the same could happen to me despite being an experienced walker who is out on the hills weekly.