The Coastguard helicopter at the site. Photo: Keswick MRT

A man who fell more than 160ft on a Lake District mountain was rescued in an operation lasting seven hours.

The 20-year-old was attempting to climb a gully on the south-western flank of Great End in the Scafell range on Friday when he slid and fell about 50m.

The man was found by a passing walker who raised the alarm.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 11.15am. Rescuers said the man was not wearing crampons and injured his knee in the fall, and was unable to move.

A team spokesperson said: “Because of the nature of his injury, and the time it would take to extract him, the team requested assistance from the Coastguard helicopter.

“The team then made its way to Seathwaite Farm, where they were able to park on the new bale park, off the muddy field, to await the arrival of the helicopter.

The injured man is lowered down the gully. Photo: Keswick MRT

“While this was in progress, the team received a second callout for a fallen walker on Dollywagon Pike but, as we were already fully committed, we asked our colleagues from Patterdale team to deal with it.

“Rescue 199 [helicopter] from Prestwick attended, and went to see if an immediate pickup by winch was possible, but was unable to get into the casualty site.

“It then ferried team members and equipment up to Sty Head in separate loads, so they could access the site quickly. The team then treated the casualty for possible pelvic and knee injuries, as well as the onset of hypothermia, while the helicopter flew to Carlisle Airport to refuel and change crew.”

Team members carry the casualty to the helicopter. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers then lowered the injured man about 300m downhill to find a suitable place where the helicopter could land and pick him up. He was flown to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle for treatment. Team members then walked down to Seathwaite to retrieve the vehicles, and returned to base to sort kit.

The rescue involved 16 volunteers from Keswick MRT.

The team was also alerted to a group reported overdue on Great End later in the day, but the party arrived in Eskdale before rescuers were called out.