People are urged to be clear about their routes while out on the fells after a major search was launched for a missing fell runner.
A concerned family member contacted the emergency services at around 9.20pm on September 21 after a fell runner failed to return after he was last heard from at the summit of Scafell Pike at 8.30am that morning.
He was running 26 miles and they thought he would be home by early evening.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, Duddon & Furness Mountain Rescue Team and Lake District Mountain Rescue Searchdogs were called out by Cumbria police.
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said: “However, no details of routes were available. This gave a huge search area. As such, it became very important to locate the runner’s car to give further clues.
“Several local team members were tasked to search campsites and car parks in Wasdale and Eskdale to locate the car, with a ‘find’ being made at Wasdale Head.
“It was confirmation that the runner had not left the valley. As planning and initial search routes were being mapped, it was with some relief that Cumbria police located the runner at a camp site at Wasdale Head.
“It transpired that a simple miscommunication between family members had resulted in misplaced concern; the runner had intended to also camp in the valley for a second night, returning home the following day.”
They added that the team was happy to get a swift outcome to what could have been a very challenging search over a vast area, with little information.
The team added: “It is a good reminder to tell someone of your route and intended return times in writing, especially if walking or running alone.”
It was Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’s 135th callout of 2024.
