Mountain Rescue teams deal with a double call out as walkers find conditions difficult.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue were busy on January 7 as they had to deal with two call outs back to back.

Alerted by Cumbria Police to the incident where a lone walker who was unable to walk due to pain in both thighs on their descent from the summit of Scafell Pike.

Fortunately two team members were already on the hill in different locations, but both agreed to change their plans and divert to assess the situation and see if they could help.

Due to low numbers of the Wasdale team, Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team were called to provide support incase of a stretcher carry being needed.

With the walker becoming cold having stopped in the exposed terrain he was assessed and it was decided to attempt to walk slowly down to Wasdale Head.

Fortunately this was possible and the two team members escorted the walker to the Wasdale Head Inn for some replenishment of calories, hydration and to arrange a taxi for onwards transport.

A spokesperson for the mountain rescue team said: “We’d like to thank Duddon and Furness MRT for their willingness to help once again, and particularly to the numerous groups of passing walkers who seemed to assist in ‘shifts’ in the initial stages.”

The relaxing walk back down the fell was broken by another call from the police that three walkers were in difficulty on Scafell.

The coordinates from the police call confirmed that they were on Broad Stand, a black spot and very hazardous terrain for walkers, especially in winter conditions.

This is a location for many serious incidents over the years.

Wasdale MRT were able to respond with additional team members becoming available and Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team remained on hand for support.

While heading up it was established that one of the walkers had managed to ascend Broad Stand and was now safely off the fell, leaving two people to rescue.

A Coastguard helicopter was requested and responded but unfortunately, patchy cloud and a light snow shower made conditions too dangerous to attempt a winch pick-off and so they returned to base, leaving a rope rescue to be undertaken.

A ‘spotter’ team at Mickledore maintained communications with the party whilst safe rope access was established for two team members to descend.

Once on scene, the walkers were given warm clothing, food, helmets, harnesses, spikes and plenty of reassurance.

The ascent to the top of Broad Stand was successfully made before a further warm in a bivvy shelter.

The long descent into the valley and back to the vehicles was then completed before transferring in a team vehicle to family in the Wasdale Head Inn.

The mountain rescue teams remind people to BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better.

Ask yourself three questions before you set off:

1. Do I have the right GEAR ?
2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
3. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?