The trio got into difficulties on the Ptarmigan Ridge, which is still in winter condition. Photo: J Millar Lomond MRT
A group of walkers was rescued in a seven-hour operation after getting stuck in winter conditions on a ridge where a man died at the weekend.
Lomond Mountain Rescue Team was called out to the walkers on the Ptarmigan Ridge on Ben Lomond on the very day they had issued a warning about conditions on the mountain.
Within four hours of pleading with walkers to go properly equipped for winter on the ridge, the rescuers were in action to aid a group of under-equipped mountain-goers in difficulties on the iced-up ridge on Scotland’s most southerly munro.
Police Scotland contacted the team shortly after 3.30pm yesterday, Tuesday.
A team spokesperson said: “The trio were practising ahead of a charity walk later in the year and were inexperienced and under-equipped for the winter conditions they found higher on Ben Lomond.
“One casualty, climbing further up the ridge to assess the snow conditions, had a short fall on the ice causing a minor injury and soon returned to her friends, who were now very uncomfortable on the terrain they found themselves on.
“The team leader was able to converse with the casualties by mobile and advised them to stay exactly where they were – assistance would be with them as soon as possible.
“Throughout the rescue reassurance and advice was provided by mobile phone. As Lomond MRT members ascended the ridge, starting at 4.30pm, darkness fell and the casualties became extremely cold; low cloud cover ruled out a helicopter extraction.”
The team made voice contact with the walkers about 6pm and met the group, near the summit, at 6.25pm.
“Aided down to a safer location the casualties were warmed in a group shelter, given additional clothing, hot drinks, food and heat packs,” the Lomond MRT spokesperson said. “Additional team members arrived at the location from 6.36pm and provided further vital assistance.
“At 7.12pm, after equipping the walkers with microspikes and assigning them team guardians, they were assisted down the Ptarmigan path back to Rowardennan, the first arriving at 9.45pm and the remaining two at 10.35pm.”
The third rescue on the Ptarmigan ridge in four days ended about 10.45pm and involved 22 volunteer team members.
The spokesperson said: “Conditions remain challenging with hard ice and snow on the ridge and mountaineering equipment and skills are still vital despite more benign conditions lower in the glen.”
A man died after falling 1,000ft from the ridge on Sunday while walking with two friends, and another wearing microspikes on his boots had to be brought to safety from the mountain after getting into difficulties.
TheEdgeOL17
18 March 2015When will these morons ever learn ?
I dont know what the answer is but maybe all MRT should be stood down til Summer and let natural selection have a chance.
Ok perhaps i dont really mean that but how long before these selfish underprepared and ill equipped people have the death of a MRT member on their hands.
Once again well done to all parties concerned with the rescue and I hope the debrief of the victims was honest and forthright.
Stay safe out there folks.
Bob Aitken
19 March 2015That's a bit savage. The top slope on the Ptarmigan is a notoriously hazardous spot in late winter condition, not what inexperienced walkers expect on 'friendly' old Ben Lomond, and few guidebooks explain just how iffy it can be. It's easy to be led on by spring-like conditions lower down to hard old snow and glaze on the last hundred metres to the top. I doubt if these folk were being selfish; they were probably just blithely unaware. Let's be grateful that they got off more or less unscathed, thanks to the MRT.
Ian512
19 March 2015I think the question we should all be asking is, why those 'inexperienced' people are taking to the hill.
TheEdgeOL17
19 March 2015Sorry if my comment caused offence Bob, but there seems to be an attitude creeping into the psyche of some hill goers that abdicates their personal responsibility because there is a system in place that they can fall back on.
Whilst i certainly want to encourage everybody to enjoy the hills and mountains of our great land I feel that the reliance on and convenience of mobile communications has created a dangerous mindset and causes people to attempt undertakings that are simply outside their capabilities.
Only last Month whilst on Snowdon in full winter conditions I came upon 3 males attempting the zig zags which claim casualties every year 2 were wearing lightweight boots and 1 had combat boots they had no crampons no axes and no poles but were giggling and laughing at each others attempts to make any progress, when i asked if they needed any assistance they erm how shall i put it .......declined.
scott healy
19 March 2015As a winter climber, I always go prepared for any eventuality, have seen other climbers with trainers and black bags, kids miles ahead of responsible adults after attempting over 30-40 mountains, and succeeding in a small percentage of the time. You always put safety first. People pushing passed there margin of safety cause other climbers issues had one guy blowing a whistle because he had dropped his camera. I won't tell u what I had to say to him. Mountain in the winter, hill in the summer.
Mike
19 March 2015I wonder if the volume of Bear Grylls / Survival /Adventure series currently on that are giving more of a thirst to do more and not going prepared?
Gerry
20 March 2015You gain experience from inexperience don't you? I think the microspikes angle is interesting in that people think this is all they need in winter conditions at 3,000 feet
Mike
20 March 2015Unless I read it wrong, I think the MRT gave them the micro spikes to assist them to get down.
Chris
20 March 2015Inexperienced walkers used to learn from, and walk in company with experienced walkers/mountain people.
Clearly ths is happening less than it did, perhaps the formal work by the MLTBs is insufficient and needs bolstering in some way.
Jim
20 March 2015Speaking as an experienced Hillwalker, the last section of the Ptarmigan ridge is steep but would not present any real difficulty under normal conditions. However it does emphasize the message that inexperienced walkers should not venture into the higher hills in winter without proper equipment and an experienced walker in the party. Even as late as April and May there can still be winter conditions on the high tops.
OutdoorsAndy
31 March 2015Can't help but think that the destruction of indy outdoors shops due to the rise of sheds has increased these call outs.
They are increasingly selling false price pointed rubbish, looking a bit like the real thing, but not having the performance, (as people serch for a bargin). “I have by x branded scarfel Jacket, everest boots and Munro back pack, so I’m set”, yet they are only fit for a town centre in summer.
Our great local shop closed and the owner refused to sell Ice Axes etc unless the purchaser had the knowledge and experience to use them or was on the way too get it. They would advise on the dangers and what was needed, (and not just kit), to access more technical mountains.
I guess you get the retailers you deserve.
Some good TV, with practical advice would help too!
Ian512
31 March 2015The outdoor industry selling machine.
It is surprising how little equipment is needed to have a safe and enjoyable winter or summer day on the hill - providing the individual knows how to use that gear.
More expensive gear doesn't equal safety or enjoyment.
R Smith
09 March 2016See it all the time when I am out. Worst was three guys trying to summit Ben More with no ice axe or crampons. Thought I was going to film there sticky end. lucky they to my advice and from other more equipped folks to start heading back down slowly.
If you jump to 3min 15 seconds you can see them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhhdPtOPexo
Wonder if you should have a plastic certificate card with you for the winter proving you have been on a winter course. if not you get the call out bill through the post a week later.