A 54 year old woman from Woodleigh, Berks. slipped off a path and broke her ankle. The team carried her on a stretcher down the fell and then by private transport to a Kendal hospital Weather conditions: FINE, DRY, CLEAR, WET IN PLACES
Two 18 year old youths from Kingston uopn Thames and Enfield collapsed with exposure/exhaustion at Martcrag Moor. One youth had to be carried on a stretcher, the other had to be assisted off the fell. Both recieved treatment in Langdale, neither went to hospital Footnote: This group decided to walk at high level when the weather was appalling. - their judgement was wrong- their word not ours - but we agree Weather condition: SEVERE GALES, RAIN, MIST DOWN TO 500ft., VERY WET UNDERFOOT
A 62 year old man from Leeds slipped and fell 30ft. down a fellside. He sustained a suspected broken neck, with severe head and spinal injuries. After the team had given first aid treatment a helicopter form RAF Boulmer flew him to hospital at Whitehaven Weather conditions: RAIN AT TIMES, MIST, DULL WET UNDERFOOT
A 43 year old man from South Shields slipped off a boulder hidden in bracken. He sustained a broken ankle. The team carried him on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kednla hospital. Weather conditions: DRY, CLEAR, WARM, DRY UNDERFOOT
A 47 year old man from Cheam slipped on the wet fellside, and sustained an inured femur. He was carried on a stretcher by the team and then to hospital by ambulance Weather conditions: DRY, CLEAR, WARM, WET UNDERFOOT
Two climbers — one a 27 year old man from Warwick and a 15 year old girl from Birmingham, were descending after a rock climb. They both slipped and fell 150 ft. The young girl walked away with minor injuries but the man sustained a fractured pelvis, leg injuries ans spinal injuries. He was
Stretchered down by the team and then by ambulance to Kendal hospital.
A 63 year old man from Birmingham collapsed with an Heart Attack, some D of E boys assisted his wife at the scene. The Team carried him'off the hill by stretcher where he was seen by the Team Doctor, then to a Kendal hospital by ambulance.
Footnote: This man had a history of heart trouble, but had not had an attack for some time. Some good work was done by the D of E boys who were on an expedition.
Weather conditions: DRIZZLE, DULL, LOW MIST, WET UNDERFOOT.
A 15 year old youth from Ambleside slipped and fell on a footpath. He sustained an injured right ankle. The Team carried him on a stretcher and then by own transport to hospital.
Weather conditions: WARM, DULL, FINE, WET PATCHES UNDERFOOT.
A 14 year old boy from Seaford, Sussex fell 12 ft. from first pitch of a rock climb. He sustained injuries to the spine and arm. He was carried by the Team on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kendal hospital.
Footnote: Incorrect use of a stitcht belay plate resulted in failure to arrest the fall.
Weather conditions: HOT, SUNNY, DRY, CLEAR, DRY ROCK.
A 40 year old woman from Holland was reported missing by the leader of a group of Dutch campers who were camping at Limefitt Park, Windermere. She had not been seen for two days prior to the search. Search was called off when she turned up at the camp site. She had been to CHESTER with two Americans.
Footnote: This woman had been taken by two Americans to Chester for a few days without telling anyone. She seemed rather an odd sort of woman with some very strange habits and ways.
An 18 year old youth from Maryport slipped and fell after climbing EASY GULLY. He sustained a broken ankle. The Team carried him on a stretcher and then by his own transport to a Barrow-in-Furness hospital. Weather conditions: DRY, WARM, CLEAR, WET PATCHES UNDERFOOT.
A search was started when a 43 year old man from Sheffield was reported missing by his friend, who had left him at the summit of Hart Crag at 4.00 p.m. Four more teams and S.A.R.D.A. were called in at first light to continue the search. The search was called off when the man was found on Windermere railway station at 10.30 a.m.
Footnote: This man had spent all night in a Guest House in Grasmere and was returning home by train. There seems to have been some disagreement between these so-called friends.
The Team assisted the local Police to recover the body of a 45 year old Windermere man, who had taken his dog for a walk on the previous night on the low fells around Windermere.
Footnote: This could not be classed as a genuine mountain accident. Weather conditions: DRY, SUNNY, CLEAR.
The Team was asked to assist S.A.R.D.A. and 3 other Mountain Rescue Teams to search for three 16 year old females, who had become separated from a party of 8 fellwalers when on a fell walk from Duddon to Borrowdale. The girls were found at 2.50 a.m. at Styhead uninjured — benighted and lost.
Footnote: Basic failure to keep party together at all times, especially in poor conditions. This will repeat itself again and again.
Weather conditions: LOW CLOUD, MIST, RAIN, GALE FORCE WINDS, DARK, VERY WET UNDERFOOT.
A 19 year old youth from Farnham slipped and fell on the screes, sustaining head and arm injuries. The Team escorted the youth down the fell, he was seen by the Team Doctor, then by own transport to Kendal hospital. Footnote: Screes seem to take their toll of fellwalkers. Great care should be taken when descending them. Weather conditions: DRY, CLEAR, SHOWERS NOW AND AGAIN.
A 14 year old youth from Fishburn, Co. Durham fell 15 ft down a ravine and sustained head injuries. The Team carried the Youth on a stretcher to an ambulance and then to Lancaster.
Footnote: This was a well organised group, but a simple slip resulted in a nasty accident.
Weather conditions: DRY, LOW CLOUD, DULL, WET UNDERFOOT.
A 17 year old youth from Flixton, Manchester collapsed with torn ligaments and muscles in his right leg. The Team carried the youth 1 Yz miles on a stretcher and then by own transport to hospital.
Footnote: The youth had attempted to walk with his injuries, but the severe pain had been too much.
Weather conditions: CLEAR, SUNNY, COOL BREEZE, DRY.
The Team and S.A.R.D.A. searched the above areas when it was reported that two male student climbers from Durham University were overdue when it was time for the coach to leave Langdale at 8.30 p.m. The search was called off at 1.00 a.m. the next morning when they turned up at Durham.
Footnote: If climbers and walkers gave a little more thought to their actions, it would save Rescue Teams a considerable amount of expense and time. These two climbers had HITCH HIKED home without telling anybody.
A 36 year old man from Kew, Surrey fell 250 ft. whilst abseiling off Raven Crag. He sustained injuries from which he DIED. The Team recovered his body.
Footnote: The knot in his tape belay sling came undone. Knots on any slings
should be checked regularly.
Weather conditions: GOOD - SUNSHINE, FINE, DRY ROCK.
A search was started by S.A.R.D.A., Patterdale and ourselves when a male fellwalker from Macclesfield failed to turn up in Patterdale after leaving the Grasmere Y.H.A. He left a route card at Grasmere to say he would be going to Patterdale via Helvellyn and Swirral Edge.
The overnight search was called off when he turned in for work at 7.00 a.m.
A search was started when a 33 year old man from Kendal had become separated from the main school party. He was found by the Team on a road in the Langdale Valley safe and well.
Footnote: This seems rather funny — it's usually children that become
separated from adults.
Weather conditions: COLD, DRY, MISTY - WET UNDERFOOT.
A 17 year old youth from Manchester received burns and scalds to his foot after a pan of boiling water was knocked over. He was carried down the fellside on a stretcher, seen by the Team Doctor, then taken home by his parents.
Footnote: Any kind of camping stove and the utensils used in making a meal should be treated with the utmost care. Weather conditions: DARK, COLD, FINE. GROUND WET IN PLACES.
A 31 year old Preston man slipped and fell 200 ft. after completing a rock climb. He sustained injuries from which he DIED. The Team recovered his body.
Footnote: This climber had finished his climb and was descending when the accident happened — he was very experienced. Weather conditions: DULL, CLEAR AT TIMES - WET ROCK IN PLACES.
A search was started when fellwalkers raised the alarm in Patterdale that a group of 8 A.T.C. and 2 adults were suffering from exposure between Hart Crag and Fairfield. Patterdale and Penrith M.R.T. assisted and searched all known escape routes. Search called off at 8.15 p.m. when the A.T.C. Group walked off the fells, unaided, in Grasmere. Footnote: Why this inexperienced group had set out on a high level walk Nobody seems to know. The weather had been bad all day in addition to deep snow and ice at high levels. This group had no crampons or ice axes.
A 26 year old man from Peterbourgh fell on the screes and sustained leg injuries. He was carried by the Team on a stretcher and then by private car to hospital.
Footnote: A stone was dislodged by a member of the same party which made this man fall.
Weather conditions: Rain and mist at times. Very wet underfoot.
A 30 year old woman and a 20 year old man fell about 100 ft. while snow and ICE climbing near the summit of Harrison Stickle. Both climbers sustained injuries and were flown by R.A.F. Helicopter to Whitehaven Hospital.
Footnote: The accident was caused by a slip as belays were being changed on
a ledge.
An 18 year old male student from Sheffield slipped and fell about 700 ft. He sustained two broken legs, pelvic, spinal & facial injuries. He was carried on a stretcher to Patterdale by Kendal, Penrith, Patterdale and Langdale Teams. Weather conditions: DARK, COLD, SNOW & ICE, SNOWING AT TIMES.
A 30 year old female from Oxford slipped and fell 250 ft. near DOVE CRAG. She sustained serious multiple injuries. The Team assisted Patterdale M.R.T. in stretchering the lady down the fell and then by ambulance to Carlisle hospital.
Weather conditions: DARK - VERY COLD. SNOW AT TIMES. ICE AND DEEP SNOW UNDERFOOT.
A 30 year old man from Morecambe fell off a sledge. He received facial and chest injuries. He was carried of the hill by stretcher, before receiving treatment by one of the Team Doctors. Weather conditions: Very Cold. ICE & SNOW. Clear. Dry.
A 25 year old man from Liverpool slipped and fell on ICE and sustained leg and pelvic injuries. He was carried by the Team, assisted by Patterdale M.R.T., on'a stretcher to an ambulance, then to hospital at Kendal. Footnote: No crampons or ICE AXE. Weather conditions: As in Call-out No. 5.
A 24 year old man from London slipped and fell 20 ft. in snow and ICE. He sustained a dislocated leg & spinal injuries. He was carried on a stretcher to an awaiting ambulance at Brimmer Head Farm, then to Lancaster Hospital. The Team was assisted by Kendal M.R.T. & Leeds Outdoor Pursuits Club.
Footnote: No crampons & ICE AXE. Weather conditions: As in Call-out No. 5.
Four men aged from 19 years — 23 years from Thornton Cleveleys, Lanes, fell between 750 ft. — 1,200 ft. from FAIRFIELD near the summit on snow and ice.
1 Man DIED
1 Man MULTIPLE INJURIES (SINCE DIED)
1 Man SERIOUS INJURIES
1 Man NO INJURIES - JUST SHOCK
The Team carried all the injured men on stretchers down to Grasmere assisted by the Keswick M.R.T. then by ambulance to Lancaster Hospital. R.A.F. Helicopter assistance could not be given due to BLIZZARDS AND MIST.
Footnote: No ICE AXES or CRAMPONS. TEAMS had to be called in from Keswick, Kendal, R.A.F. Leeming M.R.T.
A man from Nottingham slipped and fell 300 ft. on ice and snow. He sustained a broken ankle and suffered exposure. He was attended to by the Team, and Patterdale M.R.T. then flown to hospital in Carlisle by R.A.F. Helicopter from Boulmer.
Footnote: Severe ICE & SNOW conditions made fellwalking very dangerous. Weather conditions: DEEP SNOW & ICE, VERY COLD, DULL - BLIZZARDS AT TIMES
Two men were reported missing in the Bowfell area. A search was made by the Team & S.A.R.D.A. Search called off at -10.00 a.m. when the two men turned up in Langdale. Weather conditions: Cold, Wet, Misty - ICE AND SNOW UNDERFOOT.
A 64 year old man from Stockport slipped on the ICE AND SNOW sustaining a broken leg. The Team carried him on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance, then to hospital at Kendal.
Weather conditions: Rain and Snow, Misty, Dull - ICE AND DEEP SNOW UNDERFOOT.
The Team assisted Coniston M.R.T. in recovering the body of a 26 year old Bolton man when he fell 340 ft. down a disused mine shaft at TAYLOR LEVEL MINE, RED DELL, CONISTON.
Footnote: This man had climbed over a fence around the mine shaft — Two years earlier a similar accident occured — this time the victim lived. Weather conditions: Rain, Mist, Cold, Darkness.
A search was started by the team when 10 schoolboys and 2 adults from Everton failed to return from a fellwalk on the Crinkle Crags area, Langdale. Team members with dogs searched many valleys and fell tops. They were found unharmed, but slightly exposed and exhausted at 3.00 a.m., near Green Hole, Higher Esk. The team escorted them down to Brotherelkeld, Eskdale, and then by ambulances to Langdale , where they had a meal and changed to dry clothes. Team assisted by Eskdale OBMS and Patterdale.
Footnote: This group started off far too late in the day for a long distance walk.
A 32 year old man from Dalton-in-Furness slipped on ice covered ground at Shelter Crags, Langdale. He sustained a leg injury. The team stretchered him down the fellside, and then by friends car to Barrow hospital. Footnote: Once again, ice accounted for this accident. The only sensible answer to ice is a simple crampon fixed to the boots.
Weather conditions: Cold, fine, snow at times, darkness. Ice and snow underfoot. Ground conditions very dangerous.
The team was called to assist Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team when a 36 year old man and his 6 year old daughter from Mirfield, Yorks., slipped and fell near the summit of Helvellyn.
Both were found DEAD the following morning at 8.30 a.m. They had fallen 400 feet from the ridge.
Footnote: The outcome of this incident was very sad indeed. The fell tops were very dangerous, with ice and snow covering a large area.
Weather conditions: Very cold, dry, darkness. Ice and snow at all levels.
A 14 year old school boy from Wellingborough collapsed, due to exposure/exhaustion near Green-Up Edge. The team had to search for this boy before carrying him three miles on a stretcher to Grasmere. and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: The grid-reference given to the team by the informants was 1 mile out. It was then that a large area had to be searched before the group was finally located.
Weather conditions: Cold, wet, windy, darkness. Snow and ice underfoot, with wet patches.
A 45 year old man from Chorley slipped and fell on wet grass at Blind Tarn Moss, Grasmere. He sustained a fractured ankle. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher, and then by friend's car to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Some team members had to divert from Call-out No. 35 on Gibson Knott to attend to this rescue. Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times, cold. Very wet underfoot.
A search was made of Gibson Knott, Grasmere, when a male fellwalker reported someone or something falling from Gibson Knott. Search called off when nothing was found.
Footnote: The informant was definite that he saw something fall. False alarm with good intent.
Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times, mist. Very wet underfoot.
A search was started when four people were reported missing on a walk from Langdale to Esk Hause, via Rossett Gill. The search was called off when they walked off the fell the next morning at 9.45 a.m., unharmed. — but LUCKY. They had spent the night near Hell Gill in Oxendale. Footnote: This group (1 man and 3 women) was still going up Rossett Gill at 4.30 p.m., with only one hour of daylight left They had no protective cloth¬ing, torch, food or spare clothing.
A 57 year old female from Newcastle-under-Lyme slipped on a path at Tongue Gill, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured ankle. The team carried her down the fell on a stretcher, and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal,
Footnote: This lady had all the right equipment — a genuine accident Weather conditions: Overcast, dull, rain at times. Very wet underfoot
A 22 year old female from Cambridge fell 20 feet down a gulley on Middlefell, Langdale, after completing her rock climb. She sustained a serious compound fracture of the lower leg. The team carried her on a stretcher, and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital with police escort. Footnote: Sadly for this young lady, this was her first attempt at rock climbing. The utmost care must be taken when descending after a rock climb, as this is when most accidents happen.
Weather conditions: Good, clear, dry with moderate wind. Dry and loose rock underfoot.
The team was called out by the police to investigate a large fire in Easy Gulley, Pavey Ark. No persons were found to be involved, only burning grass and fell, ranging over 150 feet.
The team returned off the 'hill' at 12.00 midnight. Footnote: From the valley below, the fire could have been mistaken for a crashed aircraft or tents etc. The fire was a complete mystery. Weather conditions: Moderate wind, dry with showers. Dry underfoot.
A 20 year old male from Barton, Bedfordshire slipped on screes while descending from Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained a compound fracture of the right leg, plus facial injuries. The team carried him down on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: A popular crag, fast becoming loose and polished through human erosion. Weather conditions: Dry, hot, clear. Very dry underfoot.
A 23 year old female from Doncaster collapsed with exhaustion and migraine at the head of Mosedale (237 041). She was carried by the team on a stretcher to Cockley Beck, and then by ambulance to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: This young lady was generally unfit for an expedition of such length, plus two nights camping out at high level in very hot weather. Weather conditions: Very hot, sunny, no wind. Dry underfoot.
An 18 year old female from Bolton was thrown to the deck of a boat by the wash from another speedboat by Wray Bay, Lake Windermere. She sustained serious spinal injuries. The team used a special spinal splint before lifting her from the boat. She was taken by ambulance to Lancaster hospital. Footnote: The Team's specialised medical equipment can be used, and is, for any accident, and not only for fell walkers and climbers. Weather conditions: Fine, warm, clear.
A 21 year old female from Bromsgrove, slipped off a path near Eagle Crag, Easedale, Grasmere. She sustained a severely cut knee, and was carried by the team on a stretcher, and then by sitting car to Kendal hospital. Footnote: This young lady had all the right equipment. Genuine accident. Weather conditions: Clear sunshine, dry. Wet patches underfoot.
A 12 year old school boy from Washington, Durham, collapsed with a virus infection at Tongue Gill, Grasmere. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and then to hospital in Kendal by ambulance.
Footnote: Yet another very good group who did everything right when faced with a serious problem on the fells.
Weather conditions: Dull, dry, clear. Dry with wet patches underfoot.
A 56 year old man from Manchester slipped on the wet fellside and fractured his ankle/leg on Lingmoor Fell, Langdale. He was carried on a stretcher by team members and taken to hospital in Kendal by ambulance. Footnote: Smooth soled boots could have been the cause of this accident, as the fellside was very wet and slippery. Weather conditions: Dull, rain at times with low mist — very wet underfoot.
A 14 year old school boy from London collapsed with chest pains at Grizedale Tarn, Grasmere. He was carried down on a stretcher and then taken by ambulance to Kendal hospital.
Footnote: This young boy had a history of chest trouble. His friends had done everything right, making him comfortable and sending for help. A very praise¬worthy group, and a lesson from which some adults could learn. Weather conditions: Very wet, low mist, ground conditions — saturated
A 17 year old school boy from Westbury slipped near Grizedale Tarn, Grasmere, and sustained an injured femur plus foot injuries (see footnote). He was escorted down the fell by the team after electing to walk. Seen by team doctor and allowed to go home later.
Footnote: This injured boy was made to walk down, unaccompanied, by two teachers. There is also a suspicion that he was exhausted, due to his rucksack being overweight, and his walking boots, which were good, were not his own and a poor fit, and he had no waterproof trousers. Weather conditions: Very wet, low mist, cold.
A 59 year old man from Leicester slipped on the fellside near Eagle Crag, Easedale, Grasmere, and sustained a fractured femur. He was carried on a stretcher down the fellside by the team, and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital.
Footnote: Once again, smooth soled boots could have been the cause of this accident. Weather conditions: Dull, fine, rather cold. Dry with wet patches underfoot.
A 21 year old female from Newcastle-upon-Tyne slipped and fell off a path at Stickle Tarn, Langdale, sustaining a fractured ankle. She was conveyed down the fell on a stretcher by the team, and then taken to hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: This accident happened whilst she was assisting an injured male walker who was in the same party. Weather conditions: Fine, overcast, clear. Dry with wet patches underfoot.
A 37 year old Darlington man was struck by a falling rock whilst waiting to climb a route on Pavey Ark, Langdale. He sustained a serious shoulder injury. The team escorted him down the fellside after he had elected to walk. He was taken by a friend to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Accidents like this happen every year, when the victim is unjured due to no fault of his own. There was a possibility of this accident being caused by a party ascending Jakes Rake, which is very 'loose' indeed. Weather conditions: Dry, warm and clear. Very dry underfoot.
An 81 year old woman from Cleveleys, Blackpool, slipped on loose stones on the lower slopes of Helvellyn (Welpside Gill area). She sustained a fractured ankle and leg injuries.
The team carried her down on a stretcher to Wythburn, where she was taken by her son to hospital in Blackpool.
Footnote: This was a remarkable old lady who suffered her injuries with a smile, but her footwear was smooth soled bootees, which could have caused the accident. There was also some delay in the team being called out as the telephone box at Wythburn had been vandalised.
A 16 year old boy from Blackburn fell 20 feet whilst under climbing instructions on Black Crag, Langdale. He sustained pelvic injuries and minor cuts. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and then by ambulance to hospital in Lancaster.
Footnote: This boy was under climbing instruction from an adult instructor.
Weather conditions: Clear, dry, warm. Dry underfoot
A 28 year old woman from Crewe fell 20 feet whilst leading a rock climb on Middlefell Buttress, Langdale. She sustained spinal and head injuries. The team lowered her by stretcher 200 feet from a rock ledge. She was taken by ambulance to hospital in Lancaster.
A 16 year old boy soldier from Norton Manor collapsed with exposure at Stickle Tarn, Langdale.
The team carried him down on a stretcher, where he was seen by the team's doctor.
Footnote: This group had camped on the tops all night, where it was very cold. None of this group were in good shape when found by the team. Weather conditions: Cold, dull, dry. Wet underfoot with dry patches.
A 60 year old woman slipped off a wooden footbridge at Penny Rock, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured femur and leg injuries. The team carried her on a stretcher and then by the team's landrover ambulance to Ambleside, where she was transferred to a public ambulance and taken to Lancaster hospital.
Footnote: This lady was wearing town shoes and ordinary clothes where more robust items were called for even for this simple walk. Weather conditions: Clear, warm, dry — "boggy" and very wet underfoot.
A search was made of Wansfell, Ambleside, when flashes had been sighted from Wray Castle. Nothing was found, and the search was called off at 1.00a.m. (13.4.77)
Footnote: This was a false alarm with good intent. Weather conditions: Rain, gale force winds, dark, very wet underfoot.
A 15 year old local school boy from Ambleside slipped and fell 60 feet when leading a rock-climb on Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained spinal injuries and minor cuts.
The team lowered him 80 feet over the crag face on a stretcher, and then carried him down to an ambulance and then to hospital at Lancaster. Footnote: For his age, this boy is a very keen and sensible climber. Weather conditions: Dull, rain showers with sunny periods. Rock had wet patches.
A 17 year old female student from St. Helens collapsed on a walk with friends in Rossett Gill, Langdale. She was carried down on a stretcher and seen by the team's doctor, then allowed to go home.
Footnote: This young woman had already collapsed 3 times during her walk. It was also her first time on the fells. Weather conditions: Cold, snow showers, dull. Dry underfoot with wet patches.
A 15 year old school boy from Canvey Island collapsed due to exhaustion in Greenburn Valley — Rough Crag area Langdale.
He was on an A.T.C., Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition. The team carried him on a stretcher and then by the team's ambulance to the doctor in Ambleside.
Footnote: This boy had not eaten anything all day. It was also his first expedition. Weather conditions: Dull day, warm, wet underfoot.
A 47 year old woman from Bramhall slipped and fell 80 feet into a gulley on Swine Crag, Langdale. She sustained a fractured right ankle and head injuries.
She was carried by the team on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster.
Footnote: This lady was wearing fell boots but the soles were nearly smooth. Weather conditions: Rain showers, dull, moderate wind, very wet underfoot.
A 17 year old female student from Slough slipped and fell on Harrison Stickle, Langdale. She was carried by friends to Stickle Tarn, where the team found her. She had a compound fracture of the left ankle, plus an injured right ankle. The team carried her on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster hospital.
Footnote: First aid had been given to this student by a Student Doctor. On investigation at the accident scene (Stickle Tarn) by two senior First Aid members, it was found to be incorrect, as the blood flow was constricted, which could have had serious medical consequences.
A 21 year old woman from London slipped and fell 20 feet, landing on a ledge on Raven Crag, Langdale. She fractured her right ankle and leg. She was lowered 30 feet by TRAGSITZ harness, and then carried on a stretcher to an ambulance for Kendal hospital.
Footnote: This particular climbing club or group of people, of which this woman was a member, had been involved in three climbing accidents in seven days.
Weather conditions: Good, dry, clear, warm, rock conditions "Greasy" — wet rock.
A 21 year old man from Nottingham fell 45 feet whilst on a solo rock climb on East Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained severe cuts to the head and body, also bruises and shock. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and seen by the team doctor.
Footnote: This man had no climbing gear at all, footwear was training shoes, yet the route being attempted was "MAMBA". Quote from genuine climbers in the area "He was fooling about". Weather conditions: Good, clear, dry, warm. Dry underfoot
A 53 year old woman from Birkenhead slipped on the wet fellside at Helm Crag, Grasmere. She sustained a fractured left ankle. The team carried her on a stretcher to her car, which was driven by her husband to hospital at Kendal.
Footnote: This lady had thirty years experience of Fellwalking in the Lake
District.
Weather conditions: Dull, fine, cold wind - in places very wet underfoot.
A 32 year old male fellwalker from Congleton slipped on wet rock in Easy Gulley on Pavey Ark, Langdale and fell 100 feet. He sustained a fractured leg with spinal and arm injuries. Carried on a stretcher by the team, then to hospital at Lancaster.
Footnote: This man had to be lowered 300 feet down the gulley on a stretcher, which proved to be no mean feat, as he was 6' 4" and 171/2 stone — team members remember this rescue well!! Backs ache yet!! Weather conditions: Dull, fine and cold, darkness - very wet in the gulley and underfoot.
The Team assisted Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and search dogs after two male walkers were reported missing on Scafell Pike. Search called off after all night search when the men walked off the fell in Borrowdale at 9.00 a.m.
Footnote: Once again, another group caught out by darkness — "We did not give ourselves enough time for the walk in daylight" said one man. Weather conditions: Deteriorating, thick hill fog, strong winds, cold - old hard snow underfoot.
The Team assisted the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team in a search for two men missing in Deepdale — Greenhowe End area Patterdale. Found unharmed at 11.00 a.m., and escorted down the fell.
Footnote: These men gave false names and addresses to the police — reason not given. They were caught out by darkness after climbing a snow gulley. Weather conditions: Thick hill fog, rain showers, windy. Thawing snow underfoot.
The team recovered the body of a missing man, age 40 years, at the head of Troutbeck Park, Troutbeck, Windermere, when a farmer found him whilst tending his sheep. Carried three miles by team on a stretcher. Footnote: There seems to be a mystery surrounding this man, who had been seen in the area some days before he was found. Last known address was Barrow-in-Furness. Cumbria police seem to know this man. Clothing and footwear (missing when found) totally inadequate for conditions. Weather conditions: Cold, dull with snow showers, ice and deep snow underfoot.
A search of Loughrigg Fell and surrounding areas of Ambleside was made when a 13 year old local boy was last seen at Todd Crag, Loughrigg.
The boy was found unharmed at Rydal at 9.00 p.m.
Footnote: The boy had little or no protective clothing to spend a night on the fells. Plimsoles were his only form of footwear. Weather conditions: Very cold, ice underfoot, darkness.
Two men, both aged 26 years, from Lancaster and Morecambe were reported missing by the parents of one of them. They had been walking from Langdale to Eskdale. They had phoned home from Brotherilkeld telephone base at 7.00 p.m. on 29.12.76 and said they would be late home having first to go back to Langdale for their car. Found safe and well at a Wasdale Hotel at 1.00 p.m. on 30.12.76.
Footnote: These two men had been safe and inside the Wasdale Hostel since 1.30 a.m. on the 30.12.76 but had not seen fit to tell anybody.
A 41 year old woman from Formby, Liverpool slipped and fell about 20ft. down the fellside near Thorn Crag, Langdale, sustaining a serious compound fracture of the humerus and head injuries. The team carried her down on a stretcher and then by police escorted ambulance to Lancaster Hospital. Footnote: The helicopter was requested as there was a danger of the woman losing her arm, but this was diverted to Keswick where three climbers had fallen on Blencathra.
A 26 year old man from Durham was reported missing on the fells between Teesdale and Appleby. The team assisted all Lakeland teams plus North East Counties teams and RAF Boulmer. The man was found unharmed in the Teesdale area. Footnote: The rest of the party including schoolchildren turned back onwalk. The above mentioned did not and was lost on the fells.
Three youths from Kirkham, Lanes, became detached from a walking party at Sprinkling Tarn due to low mist. The rest of the party, three adults and five youths, made their way to Langdale, where they raised the alarm. The team searched all night with dogs in appalling weather conditions. Youths found by the team at 9.30 a.m. next day at Higher Esk, Eskdale suffering from mild exposure after spending the night on the fells. Search panel involved and RAF Boulmer.
A 13 year old schoolboy from Middlesbrough was taken ill at Hanging Knotts — Rossett Ghyll area, Langdale. The team carried him down on a stretcher. Team doctor attended, was confined to bed at an Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Langdale. Footnote: The boy had a severe throat infection plus high temperature.
A 13 year old schoolboy from Stockport, who was under instruction, fell 60 ft. on Lower Scout Crag, Langdale. He sustained head and spinal injuries. The team carried him down on a stretcher and then to Hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: The 'Whillans' harness, which the boy had on, came undone, was not fitted correctly.
A 43 year old woman from Rotherham was hit by a large stone while descending Pike O Stickle screes, Langdale. She sustained serious head and shoulder injuries. Team carried her down the fellside on a stretcher and then to Hospital at Kendal. Footnote: None of the M.L.C. Party could explain how the lady was hit on the head by the dislodged rock.
A 52 year old woman from Birmingham slipped on ice covered ground on Lingmoor, Langdale. She sustained a compound fracture of the lower leg. The team carried her down the fellside to an ambulance and then to Hospital in Kendal. Footnote: We would have reached the injured lady much quicker and easier if we had been given the proper location.
A 70 year old Stockport woman slipped and fell on wet fellside on Wansfell, Ambleside and sustained a fracture of the left leg. Team carried her down the fell and then by Ambulance to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: Once again, the fellside in wet and very dry weather can be just as dangerous as snow and ice.
A 15 year old schoolboy from Southport slipped and fell. He sustained slight head injuries (which affected his balance) in Mill Ghyll, Langdale. The team carried him down on a stretcher and then to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: Genuine accident. Well led party.
A 19 year old man from Liverpool was reported missing by friends on a walk from Patterdale to Grasmere via Grizedale Tarn. After a search by the team using search dogs, the man was found in Grasmere safe and well. Footnote: The man was in a party of 6 when they set out from Patterdale, five turned back after bad weather had forced them to. The lone walker went on, but spent 10 hours on the fell.
A 20 year old man from Glossop fell 70 ft. whilst leading a pitch on Pavey Ark, Langdale. He fell into Easy Gulley sustaining head and spinal injuries.The team lowered him down on a stretcher then carried to Stickle Tarn where RAF Boulmer flew him to Whitehaven Hospital.
Footnote: A hand hold gave way and there were no runners on, he also elected not to wear a helmet. From report and his friends he was a competent climber.
A 40 year old woman from East Sussex slipped and fell on Red Screes, Kirkstone sustaining a fractured left ankle. The team conveyed her down on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: Bad footwear was a possible cause of this accident, the ladvt wore plimsoles with very smooth soles. The fellside also was bone hard due to the hot weather.
A 45 year old man from Hastings slipped and fell 20 ft. down Easy Gulley, Pavey Ark, Langdale. He sustained a fractured neck of femur. Team carried him out of gulley after lowering the stretcher by ropes for 400 ft. and then down the fellside to an ambulance and then to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Easy gulley is anything but, these days. There are many large rocks awaiting to roll down the gulley on some unsuspecting climber or walker.
A 16 year old youth from London slipped and fell 60 ft. down the fellside above Limefitt Caravan Park, Troutbeck, Windermere. He sustained head injuries. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster Hospital. Footnote: The youth had smooth soled baseball shoes on, and the steep fellside was like glass hence the accident.
A 19 year old youth from Birmingham collapsed with exhaustion on the summit of Crinkle Crags, Langdale. Doctor and team members attended at the scene. RAF Boulmer was in the area at the time and flew the boy from Crinkle Crags to Langdale, where he recovered and was allowed to go home. Footnote: The youth wanted to give up earlier, but was told to carry on.
A 15 year old schoolgirl from Southport collapsed due to exhaustion at Walthwaite Ghyll, Silver Howe, Chapel Stile. Doctor attended at the scene. Girl recovered and was escorted down the fell by team members. Footnote: The weather was very hot indeed making the grass slopes and paths very slippery.
A 36 year old Royal Marine Sergeant from Arbroath, Scotland slipped and fell 100 ft. on Gimmer Crag, Langdale. He sustained fractured ribs, pelvis and internal injuries. Team carried him out of the gulley on a stretcher and 200 yards down the slope to a flat piece of ground where a helicopter from RAF Boulmer picked him up and flew to Whitehaven Hospital. Footnote: The Army was advised by team doctor on hearing of the accident not to do a self rescue without the proper medical equipment — advice was taken.
A 14 year old schoolboy from Haywards Heath sustained serious head, face and internal injuries when under climbing instruction. It appeared a large rock hit the boy on the head. The team sent every piece of medical equipment up to the accident. The boy was carried by stretcher to Tarn Crag where RAF Boulmer picked the boy and team doctor up. Flown to Carlisle Hospital. Footnote: This is where the teams medical equipment proved its worth. The resucitation equipment proved to be a sound investment.
A 12 year old schoolgirl from Darwen, Lanes, slipped on wet grass and fractured her leg and ankle at Easedale Tarn, Grasmere. The team carried her down the fell on a stretcher and then by sitting car to Hospital in Kendal. Footnote: Half way down the fellside we had another call to a serious accident at Pavey Ark. Three quarters of the team left to deal with the incident.
A 25 year old man from Hornchurch slipped on wet rock and grass fracturing his left ankle at Erring Crag, The Band, Langdale. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: A good equipped and well led party.
Two men aged 34 years and 47 years from Sheffield and Keighly respectively, collapsed with exhaustion and exposure at the summit of Bowfell, Langdale. Both men were given 'Reviva' treatment (hot air). The team carried one on a stretcher and the other under his "own steam" to Angle Tarn, where a helicopter from RAF Boulmer took them both to Keswick Hospital.
A 16 year old schoolgirl from Southport had a recurrence of an old knee injury. Collapsed with pain near Harrison Stickle, Langdale. Team carried her down on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Lancaster Hospital. Footnote: Footwear bad (smoothed sole shoes). She had a history of a bad knee, the long walk could have aggravated injury. The grass on fellside was slippery due to dry weather.
'A 27 year old man from Preston left the Jack's Rake path on Pavey Ark, Langdale by mistake and found himself going up a loose stone gulley, he pulled a large stone on himself and fractured his right leg/ankle. The team roped the stretcher and it was taken to the top of Pavey Ark. He was carried down the fell and then to hospital by ambulance to Kendal.
Footnote: Jack's Rake is becoming more loose very year, and at the time of this rescue it was in a dangerous condition.
A 68 year old woman of York slipped on dry grass slope at Dow Bank, Silver Howe, Chapel Stile and fractured her right ankle. She was carried on a stretcher down the fellside, taken to the Ambleside doctor and then by sitting car to Hospital at Lancaster. Footnote: The grass slopes were very slippy indeed, and the boots worn had only a slight tread.
A 22 year old man of Harrow collapsed while walking at Lilley Tarn, Loughrigg, Ambleside. Team searched the area, but could not find the victim at Lilley Tarn. Found later near the bottom of a track leading off Loughrigg. Treated by doctor, possible epileptic fit. Allowed home. Footnote: There were two rescues at the same time.
A 21 year old man from Bootle collapsed due to exhaustion and possible epileptic fit whilst walking near the summit of Harrison Stickle, Langdale.
He was carried down on a stretcher after being seen by team doctor at the scene. Allowed to go home after being carried down. Footnote: Assisted in the rescue by RAF Stafford. There seems a little mystery about this rescue — our team was called after a delay.
A 16 year old youth from Cromer fell about 30 ft. while leading the first pitch on Upper Scout Crag, Langdale. He received head and leg injuries and was conveyed down the fell on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: The rock was "greasy" but the youth elected to wear P.A.'s.
A 22 year old man and a 16 year old youth from Whitef ield, Nr. Bury collapsed with exposure at Rossett Ghyll, Langdale. Both were re-warmed at the scene and then carried down the fell on a stretcher, then to Kendal Hospital by ambulance. The weather was gale force winds, heavy rain, low mist, swollen rivers and becks. Very cold. Footnote: Both had very poor clothing. Hush puppy type shoes, smooth soles. The 16 year old boy had fallen into the beck twice. Never been on the fells before.
A 52 year old woman from Fleetwood slipped and fell on wet ground near Low Pike, Ambleside. She fractured her right ankle. Carried down on a stretcher and then by ambulance to Kendal Hospital. Footnote: The fellside was very wet making ground conditions very slippery indeed. Well led party.
A 28 year old man from Australia was reported missing after he had been rock climbing with friends on Pavey Ark, Langdale. The team was called out, and after a search found him at the bottom of Pavey Ark waiting for his friends. Footnote: The rest of the team was assisting Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team at the time of recue no. 9.
The team went to assist the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team when a 43 year old man from Leicester collapsed and died at the head of Deepdale in the Greenhowe area.
A search was made of the Langdale Pikes when two medical students from Cardiff University failed to report to friends at Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale.
The search panel called all teams in Lakeland to search for two teenage boys from the Barrow-in-Furness area, who were missing on a walk from Eskdale to Borrowdale.
A 41 year old woman from Oldham became benighted at Rossett Ghyll after setting out from Borrowdale at 3 p.m. to walk to Langdale. The team with two dogs searched from Stake Pass to Angle Tarn and Rossett Ghyll and the woman was found at 3.30 a.m. the next morning, 29th December, half way up Rossett Ghyll. She was unharmed. Footnote: This woman started from Borrowdale alone to do a four hour walk at 3 p.m. — with one hour of daylight left, and her fell walking experience should have told her not to attempt such a foolish thing.
A 14 year old schoolboy from Wigan slipped and fell on wet grass, at Black Crag, Great Langdale. He sustained a severely lacerated leg and mild exposure, and the team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and then he was taken to the doctor's surgery for treatment. Footnote: If a weather forecast had been sought before this party set off, they might never have been at 1500 feet where this accident happened. Only low level walks should have been attempted on this day — a matter of simple common sense. The weather was cold and very wet with low mist.
A search was made of Stone Arthur and Tongue Ghyll, Grasmere, after lights had been reported flashing near the summit of Stone Arthur. The team found that two campers had been pitching their tent by torch light.
Footnote: This was a false alarm with good intent. The weather was cold and dry but clear.
A 31 year old woman from Ambleside was reported missing after she went walking with her two pet dogs about 3 p.m. earlier that day. She was found dead at Ivy Crag, Loughrigg at 1.00 p.m. the following day, 10th October. Her body was flown by helicopter to Ambleside by R.A.F. Boulmer.
Footnote: The team searched throughout the night in very bad conditions and were joined at first light by Coniston M.R.T. and the Search Dog Association.
A 46 year old man from Keighley collapsed and died on Thunacar Knott, Langdale. A helicopter from R.A.F. Acklington was called but not required. The body was carried down the fell by the team. Footnote: The helicopter was called out to assist on information received before the team set off up the hill. Two rescues were taking place at the same time (no.32). The weather was dull, dry but cold on the tops.
A 29 year old man from Rainford collapsed on the Band, Langdale, with severe chest pains and was carried down by the team on a stretcher and taken to hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: This incident occured whilst the team was already involved with another rescue. The weather was dry, with cold winds, and dull.
A 51 year old man from Redditch collapsed with a heart attack at Stickle Tarn, Langdale, his condition was very serious and both team doctors decided that a helicopter would be the best form of evacuation to hospital.
Footnote: Once again R.A.F. Acklington made the rescue journey easy in a situation where a stretcher carry could have been too long and exhausting for the sick man. The weather was fairly good, with intermittent low mist, and dull at times.
A 53 year old woman from Solihull slipped on a footpath in Mill Ghyll, Langdale, and fractured her left ankle. She was carried down the fell on a stretcher and taken to hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: Her footwear (flat soft soled shoes) could have been the cause of her slipping. She had no intention of walking on the felts. The weather was fine, warm and dry.
A 19 year old rock climber from Coventry slipped and fell off a foot-path at White Ghyll, Langdale after completing his rock climb. He sustained a broken left leg. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and then he was taken to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: In common with nearly all accidents involving climbers this year, the rock climb had been completed safely, but the descent is proving to be an accident habit. The weather was warm clear and dry.
An apprentice soldier aged 17 years from Poole slipped and fell 60 feet on Gimmer Crag, Langdale whilst descending after a rock climb, he sustained multiple injuries to head and spine. The team doctor called for an R.A.F. helicopter from Acklington to fly the injured boy to hospital from the crag.
Footnote: Once again the accident happened after the completion of a climb. The weather was warm, dry, clear and sunny.
A search of Tongue Ghyll, Grasmere was made by team members and two search dogs after four young boys had heard whistle blasts and seen a yellow coloured coat high on the fells. After three hours the search was called off and nothing was found.
Footnote: There was no explanation for the whistles, but the yellow coloured coat could have been a sheep which had been sheared and newly dyed. However, the team did by chance find four school girls from Blackpool as they were leaving the fell coming down from Grisedale Tarn.
A young child fell and suffered unknown injuries in Mickleden, Great Langdale. The team searched Mickleden but was informed that the parents had carried the child down the fell.
Footnote: No comments
A 50 year old man from Falmouth slipped on wet rocks and fractured his ankle at Rest Gill, Langdale. The team carried him down on a stretcher and he was taken to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: This accident happened at 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, but the team was not called out until 8.30 p.m. — some 5 hours later. The reason for this delay is a mystery both to the police and the team, but his walking companion tried to get help from some friends in the area.
A 17 year old youth from Merseyside fell about 40 feet whilst he was under instruction during an abseil. The belay point did not hold, and he sustained spinal and leg injuries and lacerations. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and taken to hospital in Kendal. Footnote: This was an accident that should never have happened, because this novice should have had a safety top rope whilst under instruction. The weather was warm, with clear skies, and dry.
A 15 year old boy collapsed with exhaustion and migraine at the summit of Stake Pass, Langdale. The team carried the boy, who came from Thetford, Norfolk, down the fell on a stretcher and he was treated by the team doctor before being allowed home.
Footnote: This group had been well trained to cope with mishaps on the fells, and they did everything correctly. The weather was overcast with rain at times and the ground was very wet underfoog.
A search was made of Easedale Tarn and surrounding crags after a party of five had heard 'cries for help'. Team members with three dogs from the Search and Rescue Association searched but found nothing. The search was called off at 3.30 a.m. on 2nd July.
Footnote: Once again nothing was found, and it was a false alarm with good intent. The weather was warm, dry and clear.
A novice rock climber aged 22 from Berwick-orv Tweed slipped and fell about 15 feet into a gulley on Raven Crag, Langdale. She sustained a broken leg and the team carried her down on a stretcher and she was taken to hospital at Kendal.
Footnote: This was a well equipped climbing party under very good supervision, and the incident was a genuine accident. The weather was very warm, clear and sunny and dry.
A search was made of Loughrigg Summit when a man had heard cries for help. After two and a half hours the search was called off and nothing was found.
Footnote: This was a false alarm with good intent. The weather was very warm, clear and dry.
A 15 year old youth from Westhoughton near Bolton sustained a severely lacerated foot after paddling in Stickle Tarn, Langdale. The team carried him down the fell on a stretcher and he was treated by a team doctor in Ambleside.
Footnote: This seemed to be a well-led party. One lesson we are learn¬ing is that the tarns and becks are becoming dangerous places to paddle and swim in because some people use them as rubbish tips. The weather was clear, very warm and dry.
A 15 year old schoolgirl from Stainforth, Yorkshire, slipped and fell on a steep slope at Troutbeck Park, Windermere. She suffered a suspected fractured femur, was carried down on a stretcher assisted by the Tweed Valley M.R.T. from Galashiels. She was taken to hospital in Kendal.
Footnote: The school party seemed to be well organised and equipped. The weather was clear, dry and sunny.
A 15 year old youth from Reigate, Surrey, was treated on the spot when he collapsed with an epileptic fit at Mill Ghyll, Langdale. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and was put to bed at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.
Footnote: No comment needs to be made. The weather was warm, sunny and dry.
A massive search was put into operation when a holidaymaker from London was reported missing from a Grasmere Hotel. Mountain rescue teams from Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire as well as the R.A.F. Search and Rescue Dog Association and an R.A.F. helicopter from Acklington took part. The missing man was found dead at the bottom of Pavey Ark, Langdale at 3.30 p.m. the same day by one of the rescue parties.
Footnote: There were 320 mountain rescue personnel and helpers on the hills by 11.00 a.m.
A 24 year old fell runner from Oswaldtwistle who was competing in the Fairfield Horseshoe race slipped and fell at High Pike, Ambleside and broke his ankle. A contingent of the Langdale/Ambleside team joined with Kendal to bring him down the fell on a stretcher and he was treated by a local doctor.
Footnote: This is one of the very few times that a fell runner has come to grief, and the standards and equipment of these runners is first class and there are stringent safety rules which are observed. However, accidents do happen from time to time.
A search was mounted by the team when a local woman, aged 46, from Grasmere was reported missing in the Grasmere area. She was found by the team in a field unharmed but suffering from severe shock at 6 p.m. on the same day.
Footnote: This was not a fellwalking or climbing call-out. The weather was clear, warm and sunny.
A 47 year old man from Marple collapsed with severe pains in the chest and abdomen in Mickleden Valley, Langdale. He was carried down the valley on a stretcher and taken to hospital at Kendal.
Footnote: This was not a fatal collapse. The weather was clear, warm and dry.
A 28 year old rock climber from Bury fell 20 feet while leading on Billberry Buttress, Raven Crag, Langdale. He sustained pelvic, back and arm injuries. He was carried down the fell on a stretcher and then taken to the County Hospital, Kendal.
Footnote: This accident occured on the rock face. It is not clear if this climber had any runners on, but information at the time indicated he had not. The weather was warm, with sunshine, and the rock was dry.
A 21 year old rock climber from Prescot was found by a friend after descending from a crag at White Ghyll, Langdale. It is thought that he had fallen about 100 feet. He died on the crag of multiple injuries despite the fight for his life made by the team doctor and team members for over an hour. His body was brought down the fell by stretcher. Footnote: Most of the team knew this young man personally. The accident remains a mystery, as nobody was with him during his descent from the crag. The weather was dry, turning to heavy rain with winds later, and ground conditions were wet.
Two 15 year old girls walking with adult supervision collapsed with severe exposure on the summit of Helvellyn. Both girls were carried down the mountain on stretchers by the combined forces of the Patterdale and Langdale/Ambleside teams. Both girls were taken to hospital at Kendal.
Footnote: This incident was a complete disgrace. The weather was freezing above 1800 feet, the mist was low and there was snow on higher parts of the mountain. These children had no equipment or proper clothing for such a 'walk'.
A search was made of Loughrigg Fell, Ambleside, after two white flares had been seen high on the fell, by people living in Ambleside. A search was made by team members with search dogs. The search was called off at 2.45 a.m. on 18th February and nothing was found. Footnote: Once again, reports of flares remain unsolved and are proving to be a mystery. The weather was misty with drizzle and the ground was very wet.
An 18 year old boy from Pendlebury, Manchester, slipped and fell 30 feet on to a ledge and became crag fast. The team lowered him 60 feet to safety, and although he was uninjured, he was treated for shock. Footnote: This young man was very lucky because he could have fallen another 60-100 feet but for the ledge. The weather was cold, fairly clear, with occasional snow showers.
A 16 year old schoolboy from Winsford collapsed on Pike Howe, Langdale, with exhaustion during a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award practice expedition. The Team carried him down the fell on a stretcher, assisted by R.A.F. Leeming. He was treated by the team doctor and allowed to go home with his teachers.
Footnote: This party was not at fault in any way, but there is a possibility that the boy's pack was overweight for him to carry. The weather was misty with drizzle, and ground conditions were wet.
A 20 year old man from Nantwich slipped and fell about 150 feet in a gulley on Raven Crag, Langdale whilst descending after finishing a rock climb. He was carried off the crag by stretcher suffering from multiple injuries. The team assisted R.A.F. Learning who had already started the carry down. He was taken to the County Hospital, Kendal. Footnote: This accident happened whilst this climber was descending. This is not an uncommon occurence with rock climbers. The weather was fine, dry, but dull.
A man raised the alarm for five missing people from Warrington who were overdue in Langdale. The team had just started to search the intended route when the missing group turned up at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale. Two of the party had sprained ankles, which were treated by the team doctor.
Footnote: The weather conditions were poor, with low mist and intermittent rain and it was dark. The party had no idea of map reading and had walked five miles out of their way before they found themselves, by pure chance, in the Langdale Valley.
The team searched Lang Howe and Raw Pike areas {Grasmere and Langdale sides) after local residents at Grasmere had seen two white flares high on the fells. The search was called off at 11.00 p.m. and nothing was found.
Footnote: The weather was very good, with clear skies. This was a false alarm with good intent.