A rescue team member heads for Sharp Edge during the callout. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers issued a reminder of the difficulties facing anyone tackling Sharp Edge in the wet, after a father and son were rescued from the ridge.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 12.30pm on Friday when the pair got stuck on the route on Blencathra.

The team said conditions were wet and windy and the walkers may have underestimated the challenge of the route.

A spokesperson said: “In view of the risk, the team immediately sent a Land Rover full of personnel to start moving equipment up to the area, and the second vehicle followed swiftly with another six.

“The first team members were on scene within an hour, and a rope rigged to take the casualties down to the lower path below the ridge, commonly known as the Chicken Path. From there they were escorted down on to safer ground.

“It is worth re-iterating our advice, that Sharp Edge is a serious undertaking in the wet, and for some days after wet weather, as it holds the water for some time after. Anyone tackling it should be fully aware of the risks it poses.”

The three-hour rescue involved 15 volunteers from Keswick MRT.

The previous day, the team was called out after a 71-year-old woman injured her ankle while walking with a group on the path between Blea Tarn and Watendlath. She was unable to bear weight on her leg.

The team spokesperson said: “The team set off to Watendlath with two vehicles full of personnel.

“The casualty was treated at the scene, and then stretchered on to Watendlath. There the team met up with an ambulance, which took the lady on to Keswick Cottage Hospital for further assessment and treatment. The team then returned to base.”

The rescue took 2½ hours and involved 14 team members.