Category: Incidents

  • Distressed camper at Grisedale Tarn

    Distressed camper at Grisedale Tarn

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Distressed camper at Grisedale Tarn

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 99

    Date

    Wed 17 December 2025

    Called out

    10:15

    Stood down

    12:15

    Duration

    2 hours

    Location

    Grisedale Tarn

    A member of the public reported that his friend, who had camped overnight at Grisedale Tarn, had lost his shoes and phone and could not get off the fell. Six Team members deployed with a warm drink, dry clothes and spare shoes. The camper was walked off the fell with the remains of his camping equipment and taken to the Team's rescue centre, where the pair were provided with warm food and drinks before leaving.

    The callout in numbers

    6

    Team members

    2

    Hours on the hill

    99

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

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    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

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  • Walker falls 40 metres on Dove Crag

    Walker falls 40 metres on Dove Crag

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Walker falls 40 metres on Dove Crag

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 98

    Injured walker

    Date

    Sun 7 December 2025

    Called out

    13:00

    Stood down

    17:30

    Duration

    4½ hours

    Location

    Dove Crag

    On Sunday 7th December at 13:00hrs the Team were contacted by Langdale/Ambleside Mountain Rescue after they had received a call for assistance from North West Ambulance.  A male had been reported to have fallen around 40 Metres down scree and rocks whilst descending from Dove Crag in the Hartsop Valley and as it was in Patterdales area passed it quickly over to ourselves to deal. The Duty Leader spoke to the reporting person to ascertain the circumstances and called the Team out for a Full Rescue.  Due to the nature of the reporting length of fall and injuries a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was requested to assist. Team Members headed to the scene and the first party arrived just as Rescue 199 from Prestwick arrived.  The casualty was treated and then winched on board the Helicopter and flown down to Patterdale Base where he was transferred to an Ambulance to be taken to hospital for further treatment.  Due to initial low numbers and the prospect of a prolonged and difficult extraction if the Helicopter couldn’t get to scene a request was made for Penrith Mountain Rescue to assist us.
    The rescue lasted 4.5 hrs involving 13 Patterdale members and 5 Penrith members, our thanks to  both Penrith and Rescue 199 for their assistance.

    The callout in numbers

    13

    Team members

    4.5

    Hours on the hill

    98

    Callout of the year

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    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Abandoned canoes on the Ullswater lakeshore

    Abandoned canoes on the Ullswater lakeshore

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Abandoned canoes on the Ullswater lakeshore

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 97

    Date

    Wed 3 December 2025

    Called out

    12:30

    Stood down

    14:30

    Duration

    2 hours

    Location

    Ullswater lakeshore

    The Team were contacted by police after a lake user reported two canoes pulled up on a rocky section of the lakeshore with a tarpaulin over them. The caller could not get close enough to investigate and was concerned that people might be sheltering beneath it. Enquiries with local outdoor activity centres did not identify the owners, so two Team members deployed to reach the location. Nobody was found, and it was concluded that the boats had been intentionally hidden.

    The callout in numbers

    2

    Team members

    2

    Hours on the hill

    97

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

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    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Pair lost at night trying to find Priest Hole

    Pair lost at night trying to find Priest Hole

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Pair lost at night trying to find Priest Hole

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 96

    Date

    Sun 23 November 2025

    Called out

    02:38

    Stood down

    05:38

    Duration

    3 hours

    Location

    Dove Crag

    At 02:30 on Sunday morning, Patterdale MRT were tasked to go to the assistance of two young men who had been unable to locate the Priest Hole on Dove crag where they had intended to spend then night. They had become cold and were worried that in deteriorating weather they may need assistance to retreat. Whilst six team members assembled at the Base, the duty leader was able to ascertain the exact location of the young men and talk them down to a safe route off the fell.
    This incident took six team members three hours.
    We would like to remind people that walking and wild camping in the Lake District at this time of year can be a serious undertaking and venturing onto the high fells shouldn't be undertaken lightly. Google Maps doesn't accurately show foot paths with locations such as The Priest Hole not always being geographically correct and the safest and most appropriate approach routes will likely not be indicated. Appropriate clothing and equipment (such as a head torch and spare batteries) are essential as is the knowledge and understanding necessary to safely get yourself around your chosen adventure.

    The callout in numbers

    6

    Team members

    3

    Hours on the hill

    96

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Three walkers cragfast on Striding Edge

    Three walkers cragfast on Striding Edge

    Three walkers cragfast on Striding Edge

    Striding Edge. Photograph: Patterdale MRT.

    Callout 95

    Rope rescue

    Date

    Sat 22 November 2025

    Called out

    14:44

    Stood down

    18:14

    Duration

    3½ hours

    Location

    Striding Edge

    On Saturday afternoon at 14:45 Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were advised by Cumbria Police of 3 walkers stuck on Striding Edge.
    A team of 4 volunteer rescuers got ready to head out.
    After a short discussion with one of the group stuck on Striding, and being informed it would take some time for the team to get to them, they decided to carefully make their way back down.They were advised to head on the path to Red tarn, where the Team would meet them.
    A small team were sent up locate them and were able to find them by Red Tarn and were safely guided back down to Greenside.
    This rescue lasted 3.5 hours and involved 6 volunteer rescuer

    The callout in numbers

    6

    Team members

    3.5

    Hours on the hill

    95

    Callout of the year

    Photograph from the callout

    Taken by team members.

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Walkers in unsuitable footwear on Gowbarrow

    Walkers in unsuitable footwear on Gowbarrow

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Walkers in unsuitable footwear on Gowbarrow

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 94

    Injured walker

    Date

    Wed 19 November 2025

    Called out

    15:30

    Stood down

    17:30

    Duration

    2 hours

    Location

    Gowbarrow Fell

    On 19/11/25 the team were called regards a couple who got themselves stuck on a footpath on Gowbarrow. One of the couple had unsuitable clothing and trainers without tread. Because of this they were unable to walk up one of the inclines which were very slippery due to the wintery conditions . The team leader made telephone contact and directed the couple along an alternative footpath towards Watermillock church. Because the couple had got very cold and darkness had set in, a team landrover then collected the couple and dropped them back at their vehicle at the Aira Force carpark.

    The callout in numbers

    2

    Hours on the hill

    94

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Missing mountain biker on Helvellyn

    Missing mountain biker on Helvellyn

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Missing mountain biker on Helvellyn

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 93

    Date

    Sun 9 November 2025

    Called out

    13:41

    Stood down

    15:41

    Duration

    2 hours

    Location

    Helvellyn

    Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were alerted by Cumbria Police at 13:40 on Sunday the 9th of November  to a Mountain Biker who had been reported missing on Helvellyn.
    After a report of a possible sighting in Thirlmere from a team member a short investigation and search by road in the area and  talking to the informant the team were called out.
    Not long after most of the team assembled at base and just as we were about to put a plan into action. A team member spotted the mountain biker cycling past the rescue base.
    They had apparently cycled on the road from Thirlmere to Ambleside and over the pass.
    The mountain bike then had a quick check over from the team doctor, he was a little cold but well.
    He was met at the Rescue Base by a family member and then made there way home.
    This rescue was attended by 12 Team members and lasted  2 hours

    The callout in numbers

    12

    Team members

    2

    Hours on the hill

    93

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Disabling cramps on Helvellyn

    Disabling cramps on Helvellyn

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Disabling cramps on Helvellyn

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 91

    Medical emergency

    Date

    Sat 8 November 2025

    Called out

    12:28

    Stood down

    14:28

    Duration

    2 hours

    Location

    Helvellyn

    Whilst a group of friends ascended Helvellyn from Glenridding one of the group suffered debilatating cramp to their legs. Despite hydrating and eating, the casualty felt unable to proceed. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Duty Leader made contact with the casualty and accesed their condition. Thankfully the group took the advice to assist their friend to begin walking, despite the initial discomfort to get the muscles working again. Their progress was remotley monitored by the Duty Leader until they were safely back at Glenridding.

    The callout in numbers

    2

    Hours on the hill

    91

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Ankle injury at Threshthwaite Mouth

    Ankle injury at Threshthwaite Mouth

    Ankle injury at Threshthwaite Mouth

    Threshthwaite Mouth. Photograph: Patterdale MRT.

    Callout 92

    Injured walker

    Date

    Sat 8 November 2025

    Called out

    14:26

    Stood down

    19:26

    Duration

    5 hours

    Location

    Threshthwaite Mouth

    On Saturday 8th November at 14:26hrs Patterdale Mountain Rescue recieved a call via Cumbria Police informing them  that a female had sustained an ankle injury at Threshwaite Mouth in the Hartsop Valley. The injury was a simple slip causing pain and swelling to her ankle. She had tried to walk and self rescue for a period before it became too painfull. The team deployed via Pasture Bottom making their way up the steep head wall to the casualty. Following assessment and packaging by the teams medics the casualty was stretchered back down the valley, the rescue involved a lengthy extraction with multiple rope lowers in the dark before reaching the valley bottom.
    The Casualty and her partner were taken to their holiday accommodation where they were then able to go to Hospital for further treatment in their own vehicle.
    The incident involved 11 members for a total of  5 hours.

    The callout in numbers

    11

    Team members

    5

    Hours on the hill

    92

    Callout of the year

    Photograph from the callout

    Taken by team members.

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.

  • Solo camper in poor weather

    Solo camper in poor weather

    A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover above Ullswater

    Solo camper in poor weather

    A team vehicle above Ullswater. A general photograph — not taken at this callout.

    Callout 90

    Medical emergency

    Date

    Tue 28 October 2025

    Called out

    00:09

    Stood down

    04:09

    Duration

    4 hours

    Location

    Angle Tarn Pikes

    Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were requested to assist a camper who had set up camp in the rockycrags of Angle Tarn Pikes. Unfortunatly as the higher winds and rain took hold, the campers tent was beginning to collapse. This in conjunction with the exposed location raised their anxiety. Communication was difficult initially due to the area having almost no phone signal. Once the casualty managed to get back in touch the team ascended and quickly located the casualty.The team assisted them to decamp before they were walked back down and transported to their car.
    The team have had a number of callouts recently for people experiencing solo camping for the first time. If you are new to the solitude of the fell tops overnight, pleaseensure your equipment is suitable for the weather forecast. In addition while you are gaining experience please consider staying near a known path to allow you to safely retreat should you decide its time to leave , when the environment transforms into a night of rain and strong winds.
    The callout lasted four hours, involving four team members.

    The callout in numbers

    4

    Team members

    4

    Hours on the hill

    90

    Callout of the year

    Previous callout

    Next callout

    Support the team

    Help keep the team on the hill.

    The team receives no government funding. Every rope, radio and Land Rover is bought with money the public gives us.

    Donate

    A one-off gift goes straight into kit, vehicles and training. If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you.

    Join the Supporters’ Club

    From £24 a year. Regular members give the team income it can plan around, and you receive our Annual Review and newsletter.

    Leave a gift in your will

    A gift of any size can fund rescue kit for years to come, and costs you nothing now.