Skiddaw (65)
Callout Date: 17/08/2021
Callout Time: 10:00 pm
Agencies Involved: Keswick MRT, NWAS, Cumbria Police
A family of five called for help when they became benighted and in cloud close to the summit of Skiddaw. A phone find gave their precise location and they were told not to move away from that place. Team members assembled at base before deploying to the hill. On arrival at the scene a group shelter gave immediate relief from the wind and drenching mizzle and it was possible to assess the individuals. Warm and waterproof clothing was provided as well as chemical heat blankets and high energy food before walking them back to the Gale Road car park at the back of Latrigg. An awaiting ambulance checked all family members over before a team member drove them back to their own car located below Whitewater Dash. There was plenty of time to start to educate the family about route choice, conditions, timing, navigation, clothing, equipment and decision making. Hopefully a valuable lesson was learnt. The outcome could have been quite different had they not managed to call for help.
8 Team members – 4 hours 53 mins
Before heading into the hills you should ask yourself the following 3 questions:
- Do I have the right GEAR?
- Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
- Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
