Over a third of the bank holiday call outs received were ‘avoidable’, according to Cumbria’s mountain rescue teams.

Of the 20 calls received over the August Bank Holiday, August 23-26, 35 percent were avoidable said The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.

The reasons for the callouts ranged from lost walkers, flashing lights and walkers requesting assistance due to forecast bad weather.

The other 65 percent required medical assistance with 13 reporting injuries ranging from ankles to head and asthma.

There was also one fatality over the weekend.

Injuries sustained:
Ankle – four
Head injury – two
Leg – two
Arm – one
Shoulder – one
Knee – one
Asthma – one
Back Pain – one

Bank holiday weekend:
20 ‘999’ calls;
Patterdale – six
Wasdale – five
Keswick – three
Langdale Ambleside – two
Cockermouth – two
Coniston – one
Kendal – one

In a statement the rescue service said: “Walkers and those venturing out into the great outdoors are encouraged to visit a safety information website Adventure Smart UK, which provides information on the right equipment, weather reports & skills needed to be safe on our hills.”

A total of 551 ‘999’ calls have been made in 2024, so far. up 12 per cent on last year and the highest year to date.

Total Team deployments so far have been 639, up 20.5 per cent on last year and highest year to date.