Broad Stand, scene of the rescue. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

An injured walker was winched from England’s second highest mountain and another rescued after getting stuck.

The incident happened above Broad Stand, on a route between Scafell and Scafell Pike on Friday.

Police were alerted and contacted Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team after shouts for help were heard at the area.

A team spokesperson said: “Initially it wasn’t clear whether there was someone in difficulty but further phone calls followed by a team member who was out on the fell getting on scene showed that two walkers were now stuck on the ledge above Broad Stand, one of whom was injured having tumbled about 20m and sustained injuries to shoulder, back and wrist.”

The team was called out about 11.50am.

The team spokesperson said: “In view of the injuries and location a Coastguard helicopter was requested and R199 from Prestwick attended.

“The helicopter flew team members and kit to Scafell summit from where they were able to descend to the scene.

“Once there the casualty was assessed and packaged and then winched aboard the helicopter for the journey to hospital. The second casualty and team members were then lowered using ropes down to Mickledore.”

Wasdale MRT posted a video of the helicopter winch on Facebook

Broad Stand is the shortest ascent and descent route to Scafell from the top of Mickledore, between England’s highest and second-highest peaks, but is difficult terrain for those not used to scrambling.

Wasdale MRT says on its website: “Broad Stand is the series of rock steps and slabs which link Scafell to Mickledore on Scafell Pike.

“It has been described as a scramble but has moves of rock-climbing difficulty above large drops and an unforgiving landing, in the event of a fall.

“The rock is often slippy and in winter can retain snow and ice long after it has melted elsewhere. In poor visibility it can be hard to find the correct route which weaves a complex route between Scafell Crag and Scafell East Buttress.”

Lakeland poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is thought to have been an early explorer of the route. It is believed he may have descended Broad Stand in 1802 during which he said ‘My limbs were all in a tremble’.

A safer descent for walkers can be made by heading east from the summit of Scafell or south-east from Symonds Knott to Foxes Tarn, from where a less exposed gully leads to the Mickledore path on the Eskdale side of the massif.

Friday’s rescue lasted more than six hours and involved 14 volunteers from Wasdale MRT.