A rescue team in the Lake District has offered guidance for would-be wild campers after several callouts to individuals who have got into difficulties on the fells.
The latest incident for Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team involved a camper whose equipment failed in high winds.
The team was alerted on Tuesday to the camper who pitched their tent in the area of Angletarn Pikes. A team spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, as the higher winds and rain took hold, the camper’s tent was beginning to collapse.
“This, in conjunction with the exposed location, raised their anxiety.
“Communication was difficult initially due to the area having almost no phone signal. Once the casualty managed to get back in touch the team ascended and quickly located the casualty.”
Patterdale MRT said its volunteers helped the camper pack up and walked down to the valley and transported to their car.
The four-hour incident involved four team members.
The spokesperson said: “The team have had a number of callouts recently for people experiencing solo camping for the first time.
“If you are new to the solitude of the fell tops overnight, please ensure your equipment is suitable for the weather forecast. In addition while you are gaining experience, please consider staying near a known path to allow you to safely retreat should you decide it’s time to leave when the environment transforms into a night of rain and strong winds.”


Ian512
30 October 2025The main problem is that many people (despite the many attempts to educate) are not aware that there are important skills they need to learn to allow safe and enjoyable travel in mountain areas.
Many of those skills can be learned in low level countryside. Think of Orienteering for one.
Mike
30 October 2025I wild camp but keep within my ability to bale out in the night and get myself back to a car / shelter.
Fine to aspire to the Insta image of solo tent at gorgeous sunset / sunrise, but the reality (heavier pack, alone overnight, rain, rain, rain) is often very different and requires practice and skills to be safe (and avoid wasting MRT time).
Noggin
05 November 2025Hardly fits the description of "casualty" in this case.
CarolO
14 November 2025READ the WEATHER FORECAST! (no.1 rule)