Callout 2026_026 · 4 April 2026

Wild campers assisted at the Priest’s Hole, Dove Crag

Team members on Dove Crag after dark. Photograph: Patterdale MRT.

On Saturday 4th April at 21:11hrs whilst Storm Dave was at its worst, Cumbria Police contacted the Team with a report of 4 teenagers who had intended to camp in the Priest Hole but were now needing assistance. The Duty Leader put the Team on standby and attempted to contact the group of males, after numerous attempts contact was eventually made. It was quickly established the group had failed to reach the Priest Hole and had succumbed to the wild and wet weather which Storm Dave was throwing at them and were now cold ,wet and fearing for their lives as they didn’t have a tent to protect them. A full call out was initiated and Team Members made their way to Patterdale base along the lake road where trees were blown over and lots of debris from the high winds was making driving conditions dangerous. Penrith MRT were also requested to assist due to the nature of the rescue and location. On reaching the group, one of the casualties was suffering from mild hypothermia. He was treated at scene , given medication and warmed up before slowly walking off the hill to the Team’s Land Rovers parked in the Hartsop Valley bottom. Once back at Patterdale Base they were given hot drinks and warm dry clothing. Suitable advice was given on how lucky they were to be rescued in the conditions without serious injuries received. The Team would like to remind the Public that the Priest Hole is hard to find in the dark and can have serious consequences if you fail to find the route up the rock face especially in wet and wild conditions. Patterdale MRT would also like to remind everyone to check the weather forecasts for the area intended and avoid exposed locations in predicted storms. Numerous Teams were out during the storm for stricken wild campers, putting everyone’s lives in danger unnecessarily.