Sty Head – Sun 18th Aug 2024

The third call of the day arrived with a group of four walkers who had become separated from a larger group of 40 descending to Seathwaite. After 12 hours on the hill after summiting Scafell Pike they were all cold, with one person struggling to mobilise at all. It was possible there was also a medical issue.

There was also a separate call for a lone walker that was directed initially to Keswick MRT with an initial location in their area.

A full callout was made in case a stretcher carry became needed, and team members made their way to the location.

Once on scene, after some additional clothing, calories and reassurance, a slow walk-off proved possible with some direct assistance from team members. It was established on the descent that the group of five walkers accounted for both alerts as the lone walker had met up with the group of four.

The descent to Wasdale valley was completed without incident, and the group of five taken back to base for a debrief and to pick up a taxi. However, a taxi proved impossible to source on this occasion at 4am and so two team members unselfishly stayed with the group at base until one became available at 8am.

Hopefully some lessons learned about not underestimating the high fells and having capable leaders established for any sub groups that split from a larger outing. Overall a good outcome on this occasion.