A volunteer-run mountain rescue charity. 133 incidents featured here.
A walker suffered a head injury after falling on the Lakeshore Path between Howtown and Glenridding. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded with their Rescue Rib, treating the casualty and evacuating them by boat to the pier, where they were handed over to ambulance services for hospital transport.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by boat and transferred to ambulance service for hospital treatment
A casualty with a broken ankle was rescued from Aira Force on 6 September after Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was tasked by North West Ambulance Service. Twelve team members provided medical assessment and pain relief before stretching the casualty to a waiting road ambulance in misty, drizzly conditions. The operation lasted approximately two hours.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to road ambulance and transported to hospital
A casualty with a broken ankle was rescued from Aira Force on 6 September after being attended by twelve members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. Team medical technicians provided pain relief and stretcher evacuation to meet a waiting road ambulance, which transported the casualty to hospital. The operation took approximately two hours in misty and drizzly conditions.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to hospital
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called to Ullswater on 20 August after reports of people in difficulty on an inflatable. A search was conducted by five volunteers using the rescue Rib, but no one was found to be in trouble and the operation was called off after about one hour.
Outcome: no one found in trouble, search called off
A hillwalker slipped on Pinnacle Ridge at St Sunday Crag on 9 August 2026 and sustained a severe knee dislocation. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and Coastguard helicopter coordinated a winch evacuation, with the casualty airlifted to hospital.
Outcome: casualty winched into helicopter and flown to hospital
A walker slipped and injured their ankle at the summit of Hallin Fell on 29 July. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended the incident, splinted the ankle, and stretchered the casualty down to the road for ambulance transfer. The rescue involved nine team members and lasted three hours.
Outcome: casualty stretchered down and transferred to North West Ambulance Service
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to multiple incidents including a crag-fast couple on Striding Edge, three lower leg injuries at Aria Force, a head injury casualty from Swirral Edge, and a 20-foot fall from Norman Crag. The team attended 13 callouts over a two-week period, with air ambulance support provided for one rescue.
Outcome: casualties rescued and evacuated
A male walker sustained a head injury after falling on Swirral Edge, Helvellyn, on Saturday 18 July. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and the Great North Air Ambulance Service responded, with the casualty airlifted from the summit and transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital by air ambulance
A male walker sustained a head injury after falling on Swirral Edge, Helvellyn, on 18 July 2026. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and the Great North Air Ambulance Service responded, and the casualty was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
Outcome: airlifted to hospital by helicopter
A fell walker broke their ankle on the fell paths around Aira Force on 11 July. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team located the casualty and evacuated them by stretcher to a nearby Land Rover. The rescue took two and a half hours and involved 11 volunteers.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher
A dog fell from a cliff near Angel Tarn at Buck Crag in the Lake District on 7 July and was rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. After an initial search located the animal wedged between rocks, a full team operation using a 100-metre twin rope system was deployed. The dog was successfully retrieved with only minor injury and reunited with its owners.
Outcome: dog rescued and reunited with owners, sustained only minor cut
A male camper developed mild hypothermia on Helvellyn after becoming cold and wet during his descent on 4 July. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team located him on the mountainside with assistance from passing walkers and provided warm food and drinks at their base before he was reunited with his friends.
Outcome: casualty provided with warm drinks and food, reunited with friends to return home
A man sustained an ankle injury on Gowbarrow on 4 July and was stretchered off the hill by Penrith Mountain Rescue Team. He was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
Outcome: casualty stretchered off hill and transferred to hospital
A camper became cold and wet during a descent from Helvellyn after an overnight camp and was unable to continue. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team located him on the mountainside with assistance from passers-by and conveyed him to base, where he was given warm drinks and food before returning home with friends.
Outcome: casualty given warm drinks and food at base, returned home with friends
Penrith Mountain Rescue Team responded to six incidents across the region in June and July 2026, including injured walkers, a person experiencing distress near the River Eden, a hypothermic wild camper, and a stranded solo walker. All casualties were safely assisted, with some requiring stretcher evacuation and ambulance handover.
Outcome: All casualties assisted safely; some evacuated by stretcher and handed to ambulance services, others walked off with support
Two walkers were seriously injured after falls on fells in the Lake District within two days. On 19 June, a walker fell 12 metres on Gowbarrow fell and was airlifted to a major trauma unit by Coastguard helicopter and air ambulance. On 17 June, another walker fell 10–20 metres on Boredale Hause and was flown to Carlisle for treatment.
Outcome: airlifted to major trauma unit (primary); flown to Carlisle for treatment (secondary)
A man fell 12 metres from Gowbarrow Fell on Friday, 19 June at approximately 1pm. He was assessed and treated by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team medical personnel at the scene. The casualty was winched to safety by Coastguard helicopter and airlifted to a major trauma unit by air ambulance.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to major trauma unit by air ambulance
A mountain rescue team was alerted via an Apple Phone emergency activation regarding a walker in difficulty on the path from Red Tarn to Glenridding. The casualty was initially reported as dehydrated, exhausted, and with a head injury. Following assessment at the scene, the individual received treatment and was safely stretchered down to Greenside.
Outcome: Treated at scene and safely evacuated
A 12-hour search operation involving 25 rescuers and five boats was launched on Ullswater for a missing person. Multiple teams including North Cumbria Search and Rescue, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, HM Coastguard, and Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association were deployed to the area.
Patterdale MRT was conducting a search for a high-risk missing person and requested additional support from the LDSAMRA Silver coordination group. Wasdale MRT deployed five team members to assist with searching areas within their allocated patch.
Outcome: Search concluded successfully.
Outcome: Casualty safely transported from the scene for medical assessment.
An older walker experienced chest pains and breathlessness near Grisedale Tarn on Sunday afternoon. A coastguard helicopter was deployed and the casualty was airlifted to Carlisle Airport then transferred by ambulance to Carlisle Infirmary.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital by coastguard helicopter
Patterdale Mountain Rescue responded to a motorcycle collision near Glenridding where the rider was stabilised and evacuated by ambulance. Later the same evening, the team assisted an unwell camper at Red Tarn who was walked off the hill and provided accommodation at a local hostel.
Outcome: motorcyclist taken to hospital by ambulance; camper walked off hill and given shelter at YHA
A motorcyclist crashed near Glencoyne in the Lake District and was attended by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team alongside ambulance crews and fire and rescue. The casualty was stabilised and extracted to a waiting ambulance following a two-hour operation involving 10 volunteers.
Outcome: casualty extracted and conveyed to ambulance
A motorcyclist crashed near Glencoyne and was treated by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team working alongside ambulance crews and Cumbria Fire and Rescue. The casualty was stabilised and carried to a waiting ambulance after a two-hour operation involving 10 volunteers.
Outcome: casualty evacuated to ambulance
A solo camper staying near Red Tarn in Glenridding fell ill with repeated vomiting on the evening of 28 April and called for assistance. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended and assessed her condition, after which she was able to walk off the hill without needing stretcher evacuation. She was subsequently provided shelter at the local YHA.
Outcome: walked off uninjured with support
Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Friday afternoon to assist a walker with a suspected broken ankle on the coast-to-coast path between Grisdale Tarn and Patterdale. The rescue required significant community assistance as the injured person's friend managed to relay a call for help down the valley.
Outcome: The injured walker was stretchered to base for ambulance care.
A walker aggravated an existing knee injury while walking in Grisedale valley on Easter Monday and became unable to continue. Patterdale and Penrith Mountain Rescue Teams located the casualty near Dollywaggon Pike, treated the injury, and stretchered them off the fell for hospital treatment. The rescue was completed in 4.5 hours.
Outcome: casualty treated at scene and stretchered off for hospital treatment
A walker on the path to Dollywaggon Pike from Grisedale Tarn sustained a knee injury affecting their ACL and was unable to continue. Penrith Mountain Rescue Team assisted Patterdale MRT in carrying the casualty down by stretcher through steep terrain above Grisedale Valley. The joint operation involving six Penrith team members took approximately four and a half hours.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team responded to two teenagers wild camping near Sprinkling Tarn after they were stranded by high winds that destroyed their tent. The team navigated fallen trees and was able to locate the individuals, who were found cold but otherwise unharmed. Additionally, a solo camper in the area required an escort off the hill.
Outcome: All individuals were safely evacuated from the area.
Mountain Rescue teams were called out late Saturday night to four teenagers who had become stranded on the fells due to severe weather. The group was found cold and wet after failing to reach their intended camping spot in the Priest Hole. Following treatment for mild hypothermia at the scene, all individuals were safely escorted down the hill.
Outcome: All rescued safely after treatment at scene.
Mountain rescue teams were called out after a group of teenagers required assistance near Priest Hole during Storm Dave. Upon arrival, one member of the group was found to be suffering from mild hypothermia and received treatment on scene before safely descending the hill.
Outcome: All rescued safely after treatment
Following severe weather over the Easter weekend, multiple mountain rescue teams responded to incidents involving wild campers and walkers in the Lake District. Rescues included a couple stranded near Scafell Pike and teenagers whose tents were destroyed by high winds. Despite challenging conditions, all individuals involved in the reported incidents were safely evacuated.
Outcome: All casualties were rescued safely.
Mountain rescuers were called out after a walker slipped on wet ground while hiking in poor weather, resulting in a suspected fractured ankle. The team assessed and stabilised the injury before carefully carrying the individual down a challenging route over five hours.
Outcome: Transported to safety
Mountain rescuers were called out after a walker slipped on wet ground while hiking in poor weather, resulting in a suspected fractured ankle. The team assessed and stabilised the injury before carefully carrying the individual down a challenging route over five hours.
Outcome: Rescued and transported to safety
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to two separate ankle injury emergencies on the north side of Glenridding Dodd within three days. On 15 February, a walker sustained a severe ankle injury and was evacuated by stretcher; on 17 February, another walker suffered a dislocated ankle at the same location and was similarly evacuated. Both casualties were transported to hospital for treatment.
Outcome: both casualties evacuated by stretcher and taken to hospital
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to two separate ankle injuries on the north side of Glenridding Dodd within three days. On 15 February, a walker went over on their ankle and was evacuated by stretcher to hospital. Two days later on 17 February, another walker sustained a dislocated ankle in the same location and was similarly evacuated.
Outcome: both casualties evacuated by stretcher to hospital
A mountain rescue team responded to two separate incidents involving hikers sustaining ankle injuries while descending the north side of Glenridding Dodd over a period of three days. In both cases, the team provided immediate care and evacuated the injured individuals via stretcher down The Rake.
Outcome: Casualties were treated and evacuated to hospital.
Two walkers became stranded on Helvellyn in snowy conditions and were rescued by teenagers. The rescue was successful and the casualties were brought to safety.
Outcome: rescued by teenagers
A female walker sustained a knee injury near Howton and was unable to bear weight on her leg. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team located her, provided pain relief and splinting, then stretchered her to the lake shore and transported her by rescue boat to Glenridding pier for onward hospital treatment.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher and rescue boat to hospital for treatment
A climber fell approximately 100 metres down a gully on Brown Cove Crags on Helvellyn on 30 January and was rescued by Keswick Mountain Rescue with assistance from Patterdale Mountain Rescue, a Coast Guard helicopter, and GNAAS. The casualty was conscious but in significant pain and was evacuated by stretcher, lowered by rope, and winched into the helicopter before being flown to hospital in Preston.
Outcome: evacuated by helicopter to hospital in Preston
A group of adults were rescued from an icy mountain by teenagers after the adults became stranded while wearing inappropriate footwear and clothing. The incident highlights the importance of proper equipment and preparation for mountain conditions.
Outcome: rescued by teenagers
Two teenagers guided five people and a dog safely off Striding Edge after one member of the group suffered a panic attack during winter conditions. The group were inadequately equipped for the technical winter terrain, but were assisted by the experienced young climbers and two other bystanders. Patterdale Mountain Rescue subsequently praised the teenagers for their actions and invited them to their base.
Outcome: group guided safely off mountain by bystanders
A man in his 70s suffered a medical episode and collapsed on Helvellyn above Red Tarn near Swirral Edge on Saturday afternoon. Despite immediate first aid from bystanders and medical professionals, along with assistance from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, Helimed 08, and the Coastguard helicopter, he was pronounced dead. His body was recovered by mountain rescue and helicopter crews.
Outcome: fatality
A camper stranded on Nethermost Pike during a winter storm was rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team on 11 January 2026. The casualty was found in a collapsed tent suffering from hypothermia risk due to extreme wind and snow conditions. The 10-hour operation involved 28 team members from Patterdale and Penrith MRT, with Coastguard helicopter support standing down as the casualty was safely brought off the fell.
Outcome: casualty evacuated safely by foot with MRT assistance
A man in his 70s suffered a medical episode and collapsed while climbing on Helvellyn above Red Tarn near Swirral Edge on Saturday afternoon. Despite immediate first aid from nearby members of the public and medical professionals, along with efforts from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team doctors and Helimed 08 crew, he could not be revived. His body was recovered to Patterdale base with care and dignity.
Outcome: casualty died at scene
Five people and a dog became stranded on Striding Edge in winter conditions on 10 January 2026. Two teenage boys, among four helpers who intervened before professional rescue teams arrived, were later commended by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team for their impressive mountain skills and quick thinking during the rescue.
Outcome: five people and a dog rescued
Penrith Mountain Rescue Team responded to two incidents in early January 2026. First, they assisted in a multi-agency search for a missing person in the Howgill Fells near Sedbergh on 9–10 January, involving 16 team members and a search dog overnight. Second, on 11 January they were called to assist with a casualty on Dollywagon Pike, but the casualty was able to walk off the fell unaided, avoiding a stretcher evacuation in adverse weather.
Outcome: missing person search stood down; casualty walked off fell unaided
The team assisted the Lake District Search & Mountain Rescue Association with an ongoing search for a high-risk missing person over the 9th and 10th of January 2026. Although mountain rescuers and search dogs were provided by Bowland Pennine MRT, the individual remained outstanding after the nominated search area was completed.
Outcome: Unsuccessful (Person still missing)
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to two incidents on 6 January. A casualty in their seventies slipped on frozen ground at Aira Force and injured their hip, requiring evacuation by stretcher to hospital. Shortly after, the team attended a two-vehicle collision on Kirkstone Pass in snowy conditions, where one occupant with chest pains was treated and cleared after assessment.
Outcome: casualty from Aira Force evacuated to hospital; casualty with chest pains treated and cleared to hotel
Patterdale Mountain Rescue assisted following a road traffic collision on snow-covered Kirkstone Pass on 6 January 2026, when a car lost control descending the pass and was struck by a second vehicle. One occupant reported chest pains and was assessed by paramedics at the rescue base; after medical clearance they were taken to their hotel. The team's Land Rovers transported the occupants safely down the hazardous pass.
Outcome: casualty assessed and cleared by paramedics, transported to hotel
The team responded to a callout after an individual sustained an injury following a fall at Aira Force. Rescuers found the casualty near the waterfall, noting that recent rainfall and frozen ground had made paths very slippery. The person was treated on site before being evacuated by stretcher.
Outcome: Transported to hospital for further treatment
A walker became disoriented and cold on High Street in the Lake District as darkness fell. With assistance from passing mountain bikers who provided torches and help from local residents, he was able to descend safely with support from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteers.
Outcome: walker assisted off fell and provided transport by locals
On Christmas Day, a mountain rescue team attended to a walker who was struggling in the cold conditions at Dove Crag. The individual received medical treatment on the fell and was subsequently assisted off the hill by the volunteers.
Outcome: Rescued and treated
A casualty fell approximately 40 metres down scree while descending from Dove Crag in the Hartsop Valley. The rescue operation lasted four and a half hours and involved multiple teams and a Coastguard helicopter for extraction to hospital.
Outcome: Transported by air to hospital
A woman slipped and injured her ankle in Hartsop Valley near Threshwaite Mouth on Saturday, 8 November. Despite attempting self-rescue, swelling and pain prevented her from walking out, and Patterdale Mountain Rescue stretchered her down the valley in a five-hour operation involving multiple rope lowers in darkness. She was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Outcome: casualty stretchered to safety and taken to hospital for treatment
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to a camper whose tent collapsed in strong winds and heavy rain at Angletarn Pikes in the Lake District. The team assisted the camper to decamp and walked them back down to their vehicle. The incident highlights the importance of suitable equipment and experience for solo fell-top camping.
Outcome: camper assisted to decamp and walked off uninjured
Patterdale Mountain Rescue attended to a walker with a lower leg injury on Striding Edge, Helvellyn on Saturday morning. Due to steep and rocky terrain, the team carefully lowered the casualty down the slope towards Red Tarn in deteriorating weather. The operation involved 10 team members over approximately five hours, with the casualty subsequently taken to hospital.
Outcome: casualty lowered by team and taken to hospital
A walker sustained a lower leg injury at Threshthwaite Mouth in the Lake District and was rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. The casualty was treated on scene by team medical personnel, secured in a stretcher, and evacuated over difficult terrain before being transferred to hospital. The rescue involved 13 volunteers and took approximately four and a half hours.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to hospital
A rescue operation was carried out on Great Dodd near Keswick during Storm Amy when winds reached up to 80mph. The call-out involved a fell-runner who had twisted an ankle after setting off from Ambleside. During the five-hour incident, one of the volunteers also sustained a leg injury.
Outcome: Injuries sustained by both the casualty and a volunteer; all were safe.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended to a walker who had twisted their ankle at the wind shelter on Great Dodd Fell during Storm Amy on 3 October 2025. The team of 13 members battled 80mph winds and torrential rain to reach and evacuate the casualty by stretcher, with one team member also sustaining a leg injury during the operation. The five-hour callout highlighted the dangers of fell walking during severe weather conditions.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher; one team member twisted leg but able to walk down
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended to an injured walker on Great Dodd Fell during Storm Amy on 1 October 2025. The walker had twisted his ankle at the summit and was evacuated by stretcher in extreme conditions with winds reaching 80mph; one team member also sustained a leg injury during the five-hour operation.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher, reunited with friends; one rescuer sustained leg injury
A walker collapsed during a steep ascent to Glenridding Dodd above Glenridding village on Sunday morning. Team medics assessed the casualty as stable, and they were evacuated by stretcher using a technical rope system, then handed to ambulance crews for further care. This was the seventh callout for Patterdale MRT in six days.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher and handed to ambulance crew
A lone walker became confused and lost on the fell above Hartsop on Friday evening, spending the night in cold and wet conditions whilst suffering suspected hypothermia. Found by passing walkers the next morning, the casualty was assisted to a car park and provided with warm drinks, food, and dry clothing by the rescue team. Patterdale MRT described the walker as extremely fortunate to have survived the night.
Outcome: casualty found by passing walkers, assisted to car park, treated with warm drinks and dry clothing, discharged to rescue team care
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended two callouts on the evening of 16 September. First, they assisted a child from a school group experiencing an asthma attack while wild camping on Place Fell; the child was assessed, treated and escorted back to the outdoor centre. Later that night, six team members assisted three young walkers who had become crag-fast on Striding Edge.
Outcome: child treated and escorted to outdoor centre; three walkers assisted down fell
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called to Great Mell Fell on 11 September after a walker slipped on steep, wet ground whilst descending. Although uninjured, the casualty had reduced mobility and was unable to continue safely, so the team provided shelter and evacuated them by stretcher.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher
A vehicle left the road and went down an 80-foot embankment in Martindale in the Lake District. Mountain rescue assisted emergency services in extracting casualties from the crash. One casualty was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance.
Outcome: one casualty airlifted to hospital
A woman sustained an ankle injury after slipping whilst crossing a stream at Red Tarn in the Lake District. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended and provided treatment, splinting her ankle and administering pain relief before stretchering her from the hill. She was conveyed to hospital for further treatment.
Outcome: casualty treated and evacuated by stretcher to hospital
A member of a group of five hikers fell whilst descending the Bad Step on Striding Edge on 23 August 2025, prompting a callout to Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. The casualty was assisted down the mountain safely by the team. One year later, the group completed a 21-mile charity walk to raise funds for the team that rescued them.
Outcome: casualty assisted down mountain safely by rescue team
A walker suffered serious injuries in a 100-metre fall on Swirral Edge during the descent from Helvellyn on Saturday afternoon. He was treated at the scene by medics winched down by coastguard helicopter and airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital's major trauma unit. The rescue operation involved Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and took approximately five hours.
Outcome: airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital major trauma unit by coastguard helicopter
A multi-agency response was launched on 23 July after reports of a vessel sinking on Ullswater. Upon arrival, the vessel was found to be fully submerged with no persons reported onboard. A comprehensive search by coastguard, police, and mountain rescue teams found nothing, and the search was suspended in the early hours of 24 July.
Outcome: search suspended, no persons or objects found
A runner collapsed from heat exhaustion during a 55-mile mountain race in Grisedale Valley. He was airlifted by coastguard helicopter and evacuated to hospital after initial assessment by the mountain rescue team. The rescue involved Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and took approximately two and a half hours.
Outcome: airlifted by coastguard helicopter and transferred to hospital for further checks
Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team responded to four callouts over 24 hours, predominantly involving Duke of Edinburgh Award student groups who became lost, wet, or unable to communicate while camping in the Lake District. All groups were located and safely escorted back to lower ground or their intended campsites with no serious injuries reported.
Outcome: all groups located and safely escorted to valley or campsite
Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team responded to three incidents over the bank holiday weekend involving lost and stranded walkers and wild campers. All three callouts resulted in safe outcomes, with casualties assisted off the fells by team members or remotely guided to safety.
Outcome: all three casualties safely returned to valley floor and vehicles
A walker sustained a leg injury from a fall at Aira Force waterfall during a family visit. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team treated the casualty and stretchered them down to the car park, where they were handed over to their family. The casualty was taken to hospital.
Outcome: casualty stretcher to car park and transported to hospital
A man in his 20s died while open water swimming at Falling Rocks in Ullswater on Friday morning. He got into difficulty and did not resurface; his friends called emergency services. His body was recovered by police divers after a three-and-a-half hour search involving mountain rescue, coastguard, fire service and air ambulance.
Outcome: body recovered by police divers
Two sheep were rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue after becoming stuck on a crag below St Sunday Crag in the Patterdale area. The team was called out on Saturday at the farmer's request and successfully brought the animals down to lower ground.
Outcome: both sheep rescued and brought to lower ground
Four 19-year-old men became lost in darkness near Hart Crag whilst attempting to locate Priest's Hole on Dove Crag. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team used phone location technology to find them in Link Cove and advised them to abandon their original plan due to cliff hazard. The group safely joined other campers in Houndshope Cove and were expected to descend to Patterdale the following morning.
Outcome: located by phone finder app, joined campers, safe to descend next day
Two walkers became stuck on Helvellyn in deteriorating weather and low cloud on 3 February. Patterdale Mountain Rescue located them near Birkhouse Moor and provided warm clothing and torches before escorting them safely off the mountain.
Outcome: walkers escorted safely off the mountain, provided with warm clothing and torches
A lone walker in his 70s became exhausted and unable to continue in deep snow on Hartsop Above How on 12 January. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and a coastguard helicopter attended; the casualty was wrapped in protective equipment and evacuated by stretcher through difficult snow conditions before being airlifted to Carlisle hospital.
Outcome: evacuated by helicopter to Carlisle hospital
A man who fell into deep snow on Birkhouse Moor in the Lake District dislocated his shoulder. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded and a nearby team doctor provided initial treatment before the casualty was stretchered to Glenridding.
Outcome: casualty stretchered to Glenridding
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called on 5 January after three abandoned tents were discovered near Angle Tarn by a fell walker. The team responded promptly, but with no reports of missing persons and lights having been observed descending the fell, the team stood down. The incident highlighted the importance of considering weather, equipment and experience before undertaking fell camping.
Outcome: team stood down with no missing persons found
A walker slipped on a path at Aira Force and sustained an ankle injury on 3 January 2025. Patterdale Mountain Rescue attended with 13 members, treated and splinted the casualty's leg, and carried them to the car park on a stretcher for transport to hospital.
Outcome: casualty splinted and stretcher-carried to car park, transported to hospital by partner
A walker suffered a broken leg after slipping on icy ground on Glenridding Dodd on 2 January 2025. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended and arranged airlifting to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance, with nine team members involved in a rescue lasting two hours and 45 minutes.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital
A man in his 40s died after falling approximately 590ft (180m) on Helvellyn in the Lake District. His wife raised the alarm on Sunday evening when tracking showed his position had stopped moving. Mountain rescue teams recovered his body on Monday morning, and his dog was found safe on a nearby ledge.
Outcome: casualty died from injuries sustained in fall
A lone camper became cold and wet while camping near the summit of Dollywagon Pike on 30 November and called for help after initially refusing assistance from walkers. Patterdale Mountain Rescue sent three team members to support the camper safely off the fell in extremely windy conditions.
Outcome: camper escorted safely off the fell by team members
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to their 100th callout of 2024 when a man injured his ankle on Dove Crag near Ambleside and was unable to descend. The team located him, stabilised his ankle with a splint, and assisted him down to Sykeside where he was reunited with his friends.
Outcome: casualty assisted down the hill and reunited with friends
Patterdale Mountain Rescue responded to two incidents on 8 November 2024. A casualty with a medical condition became crag-fast on Striding Edge, Helvellyn and required stretcher evacuation by the team after a rescue helicopter was unable to assist due to low cloud. A second casualty with a leg injury was rescued on the east side of Ullswater and taken to hospital.
Outcome: Both casualties evacuated by stretcher; first taken via team transport, second to hospital via land ambulance
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to a callout on Ullswater after a sailor struck a rock approximately 40 metres from the shore. Using their rescue rib 'Patrick Pete', the team located the immobilised boat, assessed it for damage, and safely towed it back to the sailor's mooring near Pooley Bridge.
Outcome: boat towed to mooring, sailor escorted to safety
Patterdale Mountain Rescue responded to 10 incidents over two weeks in August 2024, with four notable callouts involving a woman with abdominal pain on Ullswater Lake Shore, two paddleboarders caught in strong winds in Glencoyne Bay, a female walker with an ankle injury on the Ullswater bridleway, and a man who collapsed near Helvellyn. The team's new rescue boat was instrumental in several water-based rescues and evacuations. All casualties were safely evacuated or returned home.
Outcome: all casualties safely evacuated or transported to hospital for further care
Two walkers were rescued near Dubhow Gill in the Lake District after becoming benighted with a broken tent pole. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team initially advised them to remain in place until daylight, but after the walkers recontacted police, four team members escorted them down to the valley floor.
Outcome: both walkers escorted safely down to valley bottom by four team members
A runner collapsed during an organised long distance race in the Lake District. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and a Coastguard helicopter responded to the incident. The casualty was examined by the team doctor, treated, and airlifted to hospital for further care.
Outcome: airlifted to hospital by Coastguard helicopter with team doctor
A 35-year-old man died after falling approximately 100 metres off Striding Edge on Helvellyn on 28 July 2024. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter responded, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Outcome: casualty died at scene
A walker became disoriented after leaving the path on Hallin Fell whilst attempting to reach the summit. Patterdale MRT guided them back to the lakeshore through high bracken, and the walker was able to complete their journey independently.
Outcome: walked off uninjured
Chris Lewis, a Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteer, died following life-changing injuries sustained in 2021 when he fell down a steep slope on Red Screes while responding to a call-out. Despite becoming wheelchair-bound, he remained an active inspiration to his team and community until his death in 2023.
Outcome: casualty became wheelchair-bound; died in 2023
An elderly walker fell approximately 100 feet from a footpath near Sheffield Pike overlooking Ullswater, sustaining a serious head injury. He was winched aboard a Coastguard helicopter and airlifted to hospital, with the rescue operation involving 10 volunteers from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and taking just under four hours.
Outcome: casualty airlifted by Coastguard helicopter to hospital
Chris Lewis, a 62-year-old volunteer with Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, died of pneumonia on 3 September 2023, more than two years after suffering a serious fall while on a rescue callout. Lewis had fallen 150 metres on Red Screes in February 2021, sustaining spinal injuries and facial fractures that left him wheelchair-dependent, but he continued to contribute to the team as a trustee until his death.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital; died of pneumonia 30 months later
Nine men from Manchester were assisted off Helvellyn by Patterdale Mountain Rescue after becoming caught in blizzard conditions and deep snow. The group had set off late in the day without navigation equipment and got into difficulty after dark. All were safely evacuated with no injuries reported.
Outcome: all nine men safely assisted off mountain, no injuries
Four walkers became disorientated in darkness near Threshwaite Mouth in Hartsop after not carrying torches. They were located by a group of scouts who escorted them to the valley floor, and mountain rescue volunteers assisted them back to their car at Kirkstone Pass. The incident prompted a safety reminder about winter darkness and the importance of proper equipment.
Outcome: located by scouts and escorted to safety, returned to car with mountain rescue assistance
A 24-year-old climber fell approximately 10 metres on Striding Edge in the Lake District and sustained back, pelvis and ankle injuries. Despite initial poor weather preventing air ambulance rescue, he was treated by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteers, placed in a full body splint and successfully winched to safety by coastguard helicopter during a break in the weather. Two companions were walked off the fell after becoming cold and mildly hypothermic.
Outcome: casualty hoisted to safety by coastguard helicopter and evacuated
A man fell 66 feet at Aira Force waterfall near Ullswater on Saturday afternoon, sustaining injuries to his head, shoulder and back. He was rescued using ropes and evacuated to hospital by ambulance. The incident occurred while the mountain rescue team was already attending another casualty at Red Tarn.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by ambulance to hospital
A walker fell and sustained a head injury while descending Helvellyn via the Hole in the Wall path on Monday evening. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended and provided initial treatment; the casualty was carried to a stretcher and subsequently taken to hospital by his partner.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher and taken to hospital
Patterdale Mountain Rescue responded to a report of two people and a dog high on the Helvellyn headwall on 18 August. The concerned walker who alerted the team did not realise they were John Muir Trust conservation workers planting rare arctic-alpine plants in the area. The situation was resolved without incident once the team members' purpose was clarified.
Outcome: no action required, workers were engaged in authorised conservation work
Patterdale Mountain Rescue attended a walker who sustained an ankle injury on Red Dodd on 6 August 2022. The casualty slipped on a grassy track and was unable to continue; ten team members stabilised the injury and evacuated her by stretcher to the landrover in a three-hour operation.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher
A walker sustained an ankle injury while descending Rest Dodd between Ullswater and Haweswater. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded with ten rescuers, provided medical care including a splint, and evacuated the casualty by stretcher to their vehicle at Hayeswater outflow.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher
A walker fell approximately 10 metres down a rocky chute while negotiating the bad step on Striding Edge on Monday and sustained serious injuries. She was treated at the scene by air ambulance medics and airlifted by coastguard helicopter to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. The rescue involved 13 Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team members and took four hours.
Outcome: casualty airlifted to hospital by coastguard helicopter
Patterdale Mountain Rescue was called to assist two walkers who became disorientated on the High Street track above Hayeswater due to poor visibility from low cloud. The team leader provided telephone guidance using mobile location technology and compass navigation to redirect the walkers, who then successfully completed their return journey to Boredale valley.
Outcome: walkers guided back on track and successfully completed walk
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to two separate incidents involving walkers requiring air ambulance assistance. The first involved a man in his 20s with a suspected broken ankle on Rest Dodd, airlifted to hospital within two hours. The second, two days prior, involved a man with chest pains on Striding Edge, Helvellyn, who was stabilised on the summit and lowered 200 metres before helicopter evacuation to hospital.
Outcome: both casualties airlifted to hospital
A man in his 50s fell 30 feet from Striding Edge and sustained serious leg injuries. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, assisted by Coastguard and air ambulance, conducted a technical rope rescue on the steep terrain. The casualty was stabilised and airlifted to a major trauma hospital.
Outcome: airlifted to major trauma hospital
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to a group of paddle boarders in difficulty on Ullswater. Two females were recovered from the water suffering from mild hypothermia and transferred to the ambulance service; the remainder of the group had reached the shore safely.
Outcome: two casualties recovered and treated for mild hypothermia, discharged at scene
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to a sheep trapped on a ledge above old mine workings in the Greenside mine area near Glenridding. Team members used a rope and pulley system to lower a rescuer who encouraged the animal back to safety. The sheep was successfully rescued and reunited with its flock.
Outcome: sheep rescued and returned to flock
A 54-year-old man from Cheshire died after falling from Striding Edge on Helvellyn on 2 November. His wife, who had turned back at the start of the scramble, alerted police when he did not return. His body was found by a search dog approximately three and a half hours later on the south side of the mountain, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
Outcome: deceased, body recovered after six hours
A woman slipped and sustained a lower leg injury while walking from Gowbarrow Fell to Aira Force in the Lake District. Patterdale Mountain Rescue attended, treated the injury, and evacuated her by stretcher to a waiting ambulance for hospital transport.
Outcome: casualty evacuated by stretcher to hospital
A man fell into Aira Force gorge near Ullswater, initially dropping 10 metres. When attempting to climb out he fell back into the gorge a second time and remained in the water for approximately one hour before being rescued by rope by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. He was treated for hypothermia and suspected fractures.
Outcome: casualty rescued by rope, treated for hypothermia and suspected arm and leg fractures, taken to Cumberland Infirmary
A mountain rescuer fell approximately 150 metres while assisting rule-breaking campers. A fundraising campaign subsequently raised £550,000 in support.
A Patterdale Mountain Rescue volunteer in his 60s suffered serious injuries after falling 500 feet whilst responding to reports of a camper with chest pains at Red Screes above Kirkstone Pass. The volunteer was airlifted to hospital in serious condition with significant injuries, whilst the ill camper was evacuated by road ambulance. Two campers were subsequently fined £200 each for breaching lockdown regulations.
Outcome: volunteer airlifted to hospital with serious injuries; ill camper evacuated by road ambulance
A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteer who suffered a serious fall while responding to a callout in February 2021 died on 4 September 2023 from pneumonia and chest infection. Chris Lewis fell 500ft on Red Screes above Kirkstone Pass whilst assisting wild campers, sustaining multiple facial fractures and severe spinal damage that left him wheelchair-dependent. Despite his injuries, he continued to support mountain rescue operations and was recognised for his service to the community.
Outcome: casualty evacuated to hospital; died from infection two years later
Three walkers were rescued in two separate incidents in the Lake District on 20 December after becoming caught out by bad weather. A 39-year-old woman became cragfast on Blencathra near Atkinson Pike, unprepared for strong winds; she was found and safely descended. Shortly after, two 24-year-old women on the Helvellyn range reported one suffering from hypothermia and were located and escorted to safety.
Outcome: both casualties safely descended and escorted to accommodation
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team spent approximately five hours searching for a distressed Alsatian on Striding Edge, Helvellyn, on Friday. The dog was safely rescued and handed to police while efforts were made to locate its owners.
Outcome: dog rescued and passed to police
A 50-year-old man fell from a gritting lorry near Dockray in the Lake District and sustained a broken femur and suspected broken pelvis. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended the scene, treated the casualty, and transferred him to an ambulance for evacuation to hospital.
Outcome: casualty treated and transferred to ambulance for hospital evacuation
A walker suffered serious injuries, including a suspected broken pelvis and shoulder, after sliding a long distance on a fell near Grisedale Tarn on Monday. Members of the public located the casualty and alerted Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team; the walker was airlifted by the Great North Air Ambulance and Coastguard helicopter to Royal Preston Hospital.
Outcome: casualty airlifted by helicopter to Royal Preston Hospital
A Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team member and experienced mountaineer fell approximately 8 metres at Blea Water Crag above Haweswater while climbing in winter conditions, sustaining multiple non-life-threatening injuries. After a complex 8-hour technical rescue involving rope systems and eventual helicopter evacuation in difficult weather, the casualty was airlifted to Newcastle's Major Trauma Centre for treatment.
Outcome: airlifted to Major Trauma Centre at Newcastle for treatment of multiple non-life-threatening injuries
Paul Robinson suffered life-threatening injuries including a broken neck in three places, spinal fracture, and tension pneumothorax after falling on Striding Edge in the Lake District. He was rescued by Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, treated in hospital, and later underwent rehabilitation. He has since recovered and is fundraising for the rescue team that assisted in his survival.
Outcome: casualty evacuated and treated in hospital, underwent rehabilitation, survived with recovery
Two serious incidents occurred on Striding Edge on Helvellyn on successive days. On Sunday 27 August, a 54-year-old man fell over 650 feet and died at the scene despite rescue efforts hampered by poor weather. The following day, another man and his dog fell a similar distance; both sustained serious injuries and were evacuated by helicopter.
Outcome: first casualty died at scene; second casualty evacuated by helicopter with serious injuries; dog airlifted for veterinary treatment
A sheepdog became stuck on a ledge in East Chockstone Gully on St Sunday Crag after wandering into crags while helping clear sheep. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out on Monday evening but the search was suspended due to failing light and mist. The dog was successfully located and rescued the following morning using technical climbing equipment.
Outcome: dog rescued and reunited with shepherd
A 62-year-old walker from the South of England died on Helvellyn after becoming missing on 8 January 2015. He was found on the mountain's headwall on 10 January, having apparently lain there for approximately four days, and was pronounced dead at the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team base. A large-scale search involving 62 mountain rescuers, multiple teams, search dogs, and a Royal Navy helicopter was coordinated across two days.
Outcome: body recovered and pronounced dead
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded to two incidents over the weekend. On Saturday, a woman slipped and injured her ankle at Pasture Bottom, Hartsop and was stretchered off the fell to hospital. On Sunday, a man fell and injured his knee on Stoney Cove Pike and was evacuated by stretcher with assistance from neighbouring teams.
Outcome: both casualties stretchered off and transported to hospital
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended Aira Force where a man fell into the beck and sustained a leg laceration. While the casualty was being stretchered out, a second visitor fell and injured her ankle; both casualties were treated and evacuated with assistance from the Great North Air Ambulance.
Outcome: both casualties evacuated by stretcher and mountain rescue Land Rover
A 24-year-old walker fell approximately 200 metres from Striding Edge on Helvellyn on 4 October 2013, landing in Nethermost Cove. Despite a rapid multi-agency rescue operation involving Patterdale and Penrith Mountain Rescue Teams, the Great North Air Ambulance, and an RAF Sea King helicopter, the casualty was found to have sustained fatal injuries.
Outcome: casualty died from injuries sustained in the fall
A 30-year-old man from Derby fell approximately 10 metres while scrambling on slabs above Greenhow End in Deepdale, sustaining a serious head injury. He was treated at the scene by air ambulance paramedics and mountain rescue team members, then winched by RAF helicopter to Patterdale before being transported to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.
Outcome: winched by RAF helicopter, transported to hospital
An 18-year-old kayaker's body was recovered from Ullswater after his kayak capsized. He had been missing for 12 hours and was found by the police underwater search team near Pooley Bridge, with assistance from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and other agencies.
Outcome: body recovered
A walker from Liverpool exhausted on the High Street range in the Lake District called police for assistance. Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended and brought him down by Land Rover ambulance; he was assessed as fit and well and returned to his campsite.
Outcome: brought down by Land Rover ambulance, assessed as fit and well
A man who survived an avalanche on Helvellyn in January 1984 as a 17-year-old scout was reunited with members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team 40 years later. Three of the six scouts in his group died when they were swept 700 feet down the mountain near Nethermost Cove. Mr Ellis was rescued and spent six weeks in a coma before recovering.
Outcome: casualty evacuated and hospitalised; three fatalities