Fell Top Weather

We were reading, as we do, the most recent reports from the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and, despite this now being the summer, we noticed three recent incidents where walkers were caught out by the weather:

Friday, 26th June:

Cumbria Police received a call from a couple who had become disoriented in mist while descending from Scoat Fell. Unsure of their exact location, they phoned for assistance.

Tuesday, 30th June:

Cumbria Police received a call from a couple who had become lost in fog on Broad Crag. The MRT Team Leader made contact and obtained a location via PhoneFind, placing them very close to the main path. Attempts were made to talk them back onto the route and guide them towards Langdale, but both walkers were unable to manage this safely.

Saturday, 4th July:

Cumbria Police received a call regarding a child who had become cold high on Scafell Pike. The family had taken shelter and were able to begin warming the child. Race organisers from a fell race taking place on the mountain were quickly on scene and provided immediate assistance.

MRT deployed to support and met the family during their descent. Once at the car park, the child was checked by Ambulance staff, found to be well, and discharged. The family were then able to return to their holiday accommodation.

Although it is July, conditions high on the fells can still be cold, especially in wind, rain, or low cloud. Hypothermia remains a real risk year-round, even after periods of very hot weather like we experienced last week. Always carry warm layers, waterproofs, and enough food and water for everyone in your group.

In all of these cases the weather on the high fells was not good despite it being the summer and you need to be prepared.

The mountain rescue teams across the Lakes are all volunteers and are out in all weathers all year round helping people so please try not to be one of those people who wouldn't have needed their help if you had planned appropriately.

As WMRT themselves point out you need to #BeAdventureSmart when walking on the fells.

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?

Photo copyright Wasdale MRT

Tagged: safety

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