The octopus found at the summit of Scafell Pike. Photo: Dave Ascough
A team of volunteers cleaning up England’s highest mountain discovered an octopus on its summit.
The litter pick, organised by Mountain Leader Dave Ascough, turned up the usual collection of cans, bottles and wrappers.
But the octopus, found next to Scafell Pike’s trig pillar, surprised the group, drawn from across the North-West of England.
Mr Ascough, whose company runs outdoor training courses, said: “The event was timed to follow one of the busiest days of the year for the Three Peaks Challenge.
Scafell Pike attracts large numbers of charity walkers at this time of year
“Discarded energy-gel wrappers, incredible numbers of banana skins and the usual assortment of drinks bottles and cans were collected.
“The most unusual find was a fresh octopus left next to the summit trig point.”
He said his volunteers carried out a clean-up on the mountain last September and there was less rubbish this time.
Mr Ascough said: “We think that is more to do with the timing of this event rather than the message getting through, sadly.
“Of particular concern was the number of glow sticks being left on cairns on the route to the summit.
“It appears that groups are relying on these ’streetlights’ to guide them to and from the summit.
“Glow sticks cannot replace good navigational skills. Furthermore they are a real eyesore if left on the cairns when the daylight returns.
“We would encourage anyone taking part in a night-time ascent of Scafell Pike to seek out good navigational training or to hire a professional guide.
“There are a number of reputable companies offering these services including ourselves.”
The weekends around midsummer are the busiest times for ascents of the mountain, with many groups of charity Three Peaks walkers attempting the route as part of the challenge involving climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike.
ian
25 June 2013how throughly depressing that we have have to do a litter pick .
what an embarrassment to the nation
micktor
25 June 2013Who would do such a thing? Very disturbing
Mike
25 June 2013Some (not all) of these groups have no respect for the mountain, the local environment or its local population.
Its disgusting!
Sharon Whitley
26 June 2013Why oh why if people love the mountains enough to walk in them do they leave such a mess - it really does disturb me the amount of litter I see discarded when I'm out walking, I just don't get it!
Bill Pattison MBE.
26 June 2013The National Trust and Lake District National Park Authority are guilty of gross direlection of duty in continuing to condone descration of Wasdale and Scafell Pike .A once beautiful area is now a stinking open toilet and a litter and feaces strewn mountain.The so called path is a nightmare .
Margo
26 June 2013Can never see why people want to rush up mountains in a 24 hour challenge .. You can't stop and stare at the fabulous views as you climb up. That's part of the whole experience for me. And i take my litter home , why can't everyone else do this? It's not that difficult ...
Mark Grantham (Cornwall SRT)
26 June 2013Carried up by a gull presumably??
John from (Watford)
26 June 2013I was there on the Friday and was astounded by the crowds of people ascending as we were coming down the mountain.
Perhaps the organisers of these events should send out clearup teams once they have completed their events rather than relying on volunteers to tidy up after them.
They may then tell their participants to bring their rubbish down with them.
Ali
26 June 2013A massive thank you should go out to the volunteers who do these litter picks! Think what state our countryside would be in without them!?
As for the littering itself I feel that this country has gone down hill there is litter, dog poo and broken glass everywhere and compared to the rest of Europe we are a disgrace. Even biodegradable rubbish such as banana skins and fruit peelings can take years to decompose fully.
We should be ashamed :(
Chairman Chow
26 June 2013is the 3 peaks challenge even a challenge these days? pointless waste of money and disturbance in my opinion, done by people with little regard for the countryside and only after "bragging rights" for climbing 2.5 mountains.
matt smith
27 June 2013its mad you take the rubbish there full but cant carry it away empty. makes no sence you go there too see the site an leave it a mess after ??????????
Simon
27 June 2013I completed the challenge this weekend and saw all of these glow sticks and the large amount of litter at top. We were a small self organised team and were quite angry when we saw all the litter on route. We bought all our litter down and it took us no extra time. Take it up, bring it down, simple.
GeZ
04 July 2013Yes the rubbish is terrible, but why is nobody questioning the octopus??
Jhimmy
10 July 2013I can understand the rubbish part, but to see such a beautiful creature being killed and left on top of a mountain for (presumably) fun is beyond me?
This shows what sort of person is being attracted to the hills at the moment I'm afraid.
So for all those encouraging people to enjoy the mountains, think twice, about who will read their advice!