Keswick Mountain Rescue Team had its first callout of 2023 – 44 minutes into the new year.
Two female walkers decided to celebrate the new year on top of Great Gable – but the experienced hikers reached Green Gable and found the conditions to be too bad to carry on.
Strong winds brought persistent rain, sleet and snow. They turned back but one of the walkers fell and broke her ankle. They called 999 and asked for mountain rescue.
Keswick Mountain Rescue Team said: “Keswick team responded quickly (those that were able!) but as luck would have it members of RAF Valley and RAF Lossiemouth have been staying in Keswick base for a few days and were able to boost our numbers considerably.”
The teams approached from Honister then the steep mine track up towards Dubs Hut.
The Coastguard was also summoned due to the location of the incident but the helicopter was forced to turn back due to the conditions.
The team added: “The casualty and her friend plus two dogs were found exactly on their Phone Find location.
“The injury was assessed, pain relief administered and the leg splinted and bandaged before the casualty was loaded onto a stretcher for the carry back to Honister.
“We owe a huge debt of thanks to the RAF mountain rescue team members who came out and helped with the callout. What a memorable start to the new year.”
