The men had ascended Helvellyn via Striding Edge. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
A group of walkers was guided to safety after getting into difficulties in wintry conditions on England’s third-highest mountain.
The nine men, from the Manchester area, had to contend with blizzards and knee-deep drifts as they made their way down from Helvellyn.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by police about 6.50pm on Saturday after the walkers called for help to get back down from the mountain to their vehicles.
The team used the Sarloc system which pinpointed the group’s location on the 950m (3,118ft) summit of the mountain.
A team spokesperson said: “The team were put on standby whilst it was ascertained the best way of getting the group off safely. They were not injured, had waterproofs and torches but no maps or compasses to assist them in the navigation off.
“It was decided the best route for them to take was down to Thirlmere as they did not want to go back over either of the edges due to the conditions.
“The group eventually started to descend down Browncove Crags and down the path. The duty leader monitored their progress on live location on WhatsApp and further phone calls.
“Two vehicles were dispatched from Patterdale to liaise with the group and drive them back to their vehicles at Glenridding so they could head back to their accommodation in the south lakes.
“It was established the group had set off far too late in the day, mid-afternoon, and as they traversed Striding Edge it had got dark on climbing to the summit. They had boots and waterproofs plus torches but no other winter gear.
“At times they were knee deep in snow and it was blizzard conditions on the way down. They were extremely grateful for the assistance.”
The incident lasted just under four hours and involved three Patterdale MRT volunteers, with other team members placed on standby.
David Alexander
13 March 2023I like your reports as they contain the reason for the rescue. This in turn allows me to look at myself and ensure I don't make the same mistake.
We can all make mistakes and it can be embarrassing. But if the cause is mDe know it might prevent a rescue or see a life
Blame and secrecy are the biggest road blocks to the advancement of safety.
Pete
14 March 2023Handy to know the MRTs are now offering taxi shuttles as part the service, I'll bear that in mind next time I miss the bus.
Hungry Pete
14 March 2023Now charge them for the rescue ( £s per hour plus fuel and the cost of putting peoples lives at risk ) they won’t do it again — hopefully
Doddy
14 March 2023If they haven't done so already, certainly should be encouraged to make a donation to MRT.
Josh
14 March 2023So, as they reached the Hole in the Wall area, not one out of nine people had the sense to suggest it was getting late and perhaps they should turn back. Surely at that point they must have known it was impossible to complete the route before dark.
The forecast for that day was very specific in that blizzard conditions would arrive late afternoon. This was on every forecast not just the mountain forecasts.
Everyone over the age of 10 knows roughly what time it gets dark at this time of year.
I could go on and on but there's no point because stupid people will continue to do stupid things.
Mike W
15 March 2023This is very very poor of this group. Shouldn't have gone up at all that late in the day and with the forecast, but even then it really isn't difficult to get off Helvellyn safely in any conditions by simply heading NW (as they eventually did). Should be no need to call MRT. All you need is a map and compass...... ah!