Sty Head – Wed 9th Jul 2025

Incident

82 in 2025

Type

Full Callout — Cragfast

Location

Sty Head

Weather

Dry, Mild

Other Agencies

Keswick MRT

A call was received via @keswickmrt , about a walker stating they were stranded on steep ground, near Sty Head. It was received via the iPhone satellite text service.

The Team Leader attempted to make contact, without success, so a callout was made. Communications with the satellite emergency service are text messages only, and it was established that a party of 4 had undertaken a very long day out, when then walker was struggling on some steep ground. The others had then left him to continue their walk. Team members made their way to the location indicated from the initial message, but nothing was found, and so they returned to base.

It transpired that the walker had been assisted down by another passing group, after one of his group had stayed for a while and attempted to help. He had passed the update that he was safe on to the Emergency Centre, but somehow that message hadn’t made it back to the Team Leader. Sometimes, technology helps, at other times, not so much!

It’s worth a reminder that walking groups should stick together and move at the pace of the slowest walker. We’ve had several callouts lately where an inexperienced walker has become separated and then needs help from us. In this case, we believe that one initial group ended as three separate groups, two as lone walkers. Whilst we are always available to volunteer to help, there is some steep group on the fells and unfortunately sometimes a simple ‘lost’ ends with a poor outcome. A good result though in this case, for which we are thankful.

#BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better.

Ask yourself three questions before you set off:
1. Do I have the right GEAR?
2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
3. Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?