The walker fell while descending Dove Crag. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

A walker was airlifted from a Lake District mountainside after falling more than 100ft over rocks and scree.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted to the incident at 1pm on Sunday.

The man was reported to have fallen about 40m while descending from Dove Crag. Ambulance staff initially requested the help of Langdale Ambleside MRT but the callout was referred to the Patterdale team as the incident occurred in their area.

A team spokesperson said the duty leader called out the full team after speaking to the person reporting the incident.

“Due to the nature of the reporting length of fall and injuries a Coastguard rescue helicopter was requested to assist.”

The Patterdale team also requested the help of colleagues from the Penrith team because of its low numbers and the possibility of a prolonged and difficult stretcher carry of the injured walker if the helicopter couldn’t reach the scene.

The spokesperson said: “Team members headed to the scene and the first party arrived just as Rescue 199 from Prestwick arrived. The casualty was treated and then winched on board the helicopter and flown down to Patterdale base where he was transferred to an ambulance to be taken to hospital for further treatment.”

The incident lasted 4½ hours and involved 13 volunteer from the Patterdale team and five from Penrith MRT.

The Patterdale spokesperson thanked the Penrith colleagues and the crew of the Prestwick Coastguard aircraft for their assistance.