The pair were camping under Helvellyn's headwall next to Red Tarn. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
Two people wild camping on Helvellyn called for help after severe weather made their night a little wilder than expected.
Rescuers were alerted about 1.25 on Saturday morning after one of the pair’s tents blew down in high winds.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said when it contacted the campers, they were both sheltering together in the remaining tent.
A team spokesperson said: “The weather conditions were very challenging with 50mph winds and sleet and snow.
“The campers were advised to stay put in their tent which was still holding out. They had no injuries and were fine apart from being very uncomfortable and wet in a small tent.
“Phone contact was kept through the night until first light. At around 7.30am more water had entered their tent and they were forced to abandon.
“They were directed to make their way down and a small team went out to meet them and escort them safely down to Glenridding. In the end the campers didn’t get a great night sleep but certainly had an adventure!”
The team suggested hillgoers heed forecasts before heading out. “If you’re planning an adventure please visit AdventureSmart, which has a wealth of info to plan for a safe trip – including having a look at the weather forecast.”
john
12 February 2022"the team suggested hillgoers heed forecasts before heading out"
Ok, it's good sensible advice but why on earth would anyone be so stupid that they would need told to do that. If they'd been going for a walk around the shops in the middle of a town or city they'd probably check the forecast to see if they need a rain coat or a warm jacket or if it's hot enough for t-shirt.
Head out for a night on Helvellyn in February and they either didn't check or did check and took no notice.
Mike Sweeting
12 February 2022I wouldn't have the nerve to call when I still had so many real options. Congrats to MR for refusing to go out to these idiots. Got a bit wet at 07.30 did they? Oh no! I hope they don't next attempt an Alpine bivi.
Jimmy
13 February 2022In a situation like this before the mid 1990s they wouldn't have been able to contact the local rescue team, or anyone else.
They would have had to sort themselves out, as I'm sure many reading this article have had to do over the years.
What did they expect the team to do - bring them dry clothes, hot drinks and maybe rattle up a breakfast?
alan t
13 February 2022Just over a week ago I was at Glenridding bus stop when a young couple asked me the way to Hellvellyn! I suggested it wasn't a good idea as forecast was for 30 - 50 mph winds gusting 80mph. They didn't have a map or compass either but wanted to go up for her birthday and the BBC forecast didn't say anything about the wind. Thankfully after a trip to Catsycam shop they took advice and went elsewhere.
Ian S
13 February 2022"They had no injuries and were fine apart from being very uncomfortable and wet in a small tent."
Absolutely pathetic. They are the sort of people who think a mountain rescue team are there to sort out a bit of inconvenient discomfort. Tell them to sod off and sort themselves out. Next thing you know they'll be phoning for rescue when their fingers are cold and they didn't think to take gloves with them. Grrrrrr, it boils my p1ss.
Graham
13 February 20222 people uncomfortable and wet in a small tent? That's the highlight of the year for a lot of people- it's called the OMM.