Rescues prompt warning to 'double-check weather'

A mountain rescue team has urged tourists to "double-check" the weather forecast after a string of call-outs during stormy conditions.

Over the weekend, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out to six separate incidents in the Lake District as people grappled with the conditions.

Matt Neilson, deputy team leader, said: "The call-outs were varied, it was a squeeze on our resources and really all situations could have been avoided."

Those rescued included two paddleboarders who were blown off course near Ullswater and a walker who got stuck descending Arthur's Pike.

Mr Neilson believed the incidents could have been "preventable" if people had simply "double-checked" the forecast.

"We know it was stormy weather and people simply weren't prepared for the downpours or the wind and that comes down to planning," he said.

The mountain rescue team said "young people" could tend to get into difficulty when they do not plan their routes.

"There are a lot more young people visiting the Lakes, which is great, but we do need some people to do more research before setting off walking, as these call-outs can be avoided."

In 2023, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team volunteers attended 61 call-outs, which soared to a record number of 110 a year later.

Mr Neilson said he expected that number would be "surpassed" this year.

"We're on course for a record number of call-outs, which is why it is so important for people to properly plan and be prepared for all conditions in and around the Lakes."

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