Keswick MRT helping an injured walker down Glaramara

Multiple Rescues Completed in the Lakeland Falls as Wintry Conditions Returns

On Wednesday 12th April, two separate mountain rescue teams were called out as walkers got into difficulties as winter conditions returned. 

Firstly, the Coniston MRT was called out at 13:16 to reports two walkers got into difficulties up the Old Man of Coniston as the weather changed. 

winter condition in the lakeland falls as Coniston MRT goes to help injured walker
Source: Coniston MRT

A Coniston MRT spokesperson said: “When the lady could not continue, they called for help. Cumbria police contacted us, and we located them with a PhoneFind function on the south-east side of the Old Man.

woman being helped down Old Man of Coniston by Coniston MRT

“Two Land Rovers were dispatched up to Bursting Stone Quarry, and we walked up from there.”

“Having found the pair, they were assessed, warm drinks and food given, dry clothing put on, and escorted down from the hill to our vehicles. They were then driven back to base for a warm-up and a chat about mountain conditions.”

Images from Coniston MRT

The incident lasted almost three hours, with 11 Coniston MRT volunteers involved.

Later in the same day, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was also alerted about 6.25pm to a couple in difficulties on Glaramara.

One of the walkers had slipped off a drop and fell about 5m, banging her head and injuring her leg.

A spokesperson said: “The woman’s walking partner came to check if she was all right. The woman assured him she was OK and that he should continue to search for his mobile phone that he had lost on the fell somewhere.

Keswick MRT helping an injured walker down Glaramara
Source: Keswick MRT.

“The man backtracked along their route but in the bad visibility and snow that was not easy. After giving up on the phone the man found he could no longer find the woman despite searching for some considerable time.

“The man, without his phone, had no choice but to descend. Meantime the woman realised that something was wrong and called 999 for mountain rescue.

“The woman was able to make her own way back up towards Glaramara aided by regular confirmatory calls from the rescue base and using PhoneFind to track her progress. When the phone signal got weak the woman was asked to stay where she was so that the team knew exactly where to find her.”

Team members made their way to the scene via Combe Gill, above Mountain View, and also up the steep Hind Gill approach from Seathwaite, to maximise the chances of finding the woman.

Whilst this was happening, the man safely reached the valley and rang 999 from the payphone at Seathwaite, alerting the police to the situation as well as their location.

The Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “The woman reported being cold and having a sore leg from her fall so the team asked for help from Cockermouth MRT to boost Keswick’s numbers in the case a stretcher carry proved necessary. Many thanks to them for turning out to help.

“Despite poor visibility on the snowy tops the team found the woman thanks to the precise PhoneFind location. She was given some food and after being assessed she was able to walk off unaided.

“The two walkers were eventually reunited back at the Keswick MRT base where, let’s just say, some choice words were exchanged.”

The incident involved 22 Keswick team members and seven Cockermouth team members, lasting just over 4½ hours.

It is always advised to check the weather forecast before heading out for a hike or walk and always be prepared. Even if the weather is nice, it can change rapidly.

Andy Halliday

Andy Halliday is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and an avid camper. He has been exploring the wilderness and camping in the great outdoors for over two decades, and his experiences have inspired him to write about the joys of camping and the beauty of nature.As a camping enthusiast, he believes that spending time in the wilderness is not just a way to escape the daily grind, but also a way to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Andy has camped in various locations across the country and on two different continents. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with fellow campers.Through his writing, he hopes to inspire you to venture out into the wilderness and experience the beauty and serenity of camping. Andy articles and guides provide useful tips, advice, and insights on everything from selecting the right gear and equipment to finding the best campsites and hiking trails.

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