The pair tried to descend an icy Swirral Edge, right. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Two mountaineers had to be rescued from England’s third-highest mountain after getting stuck on snow and ice.
The pair were trying to descend Swirral Edge from the summit of Helvellyn on Saturday when they got into difficulties.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was already involved with rescuing three lost walkers on the High Street range when police requested its help about 5.25pm.
A team spokesperson said: “The two gentlemen in their mid-20s decided to re-summit to the cross shelter on Helvellyn and await assistance from the team.
“Team members went to their aid and escorted the lads off the fell.
“Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to take this opportunity to remind fell-goers that the days are now short and the light soon fades at this time of year and that you need to plan your day accordingly, and have and be able to use the right kit for the conditions.”
The incident involved 13 Patterdale MRT volunteers and lasted 4½ hours.
The team recommended hill-goers visit the Adventure Smart website before heading out.
Roger Devey
20 November 2019So, why didn't they just turn north, go over Raise, down to Sticks Pass and back to Greenside, instead of expecting a team to come out and 'rescue them'?
Goshawk
20 November 2019"Two mountaineers"....I can think of plenty of other words to describe them!
Peter H
20 November 2019Hold on, after doing the absolute right thing and re-ascending to the top of Helvellyn to get out of difficulty, I would have thought they no longer needed any assistance from anyone. If they were unsure which way to go as an alternative route down, they could have asked the MRT when they called them to say they were safe.
Absolutely scandalous that they never cancelled the call.
allen
21 November 2019Any route other than the edges would have done, but maybe they spooked themselves on Swirrel, and lost it a bit. All ended well, thanks to the MRT. I guess the silly season has started.