A Lake District mountain rescue team was called out at the height of Storm Dave to help four teens in trouble.
The teenagers had decided to camp – without a tent – at the Priest Hole, but had run into difficulty.
Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out at around 9.10pm yesterday, Saturday April 5.
The duty leader put the team on standby and attempted to contact the group and after numerous attempts contact was eventually made.
The team said: “It was quickly established the group had failed to reach the Priest Hole and had succumbed to the wild and wet weather which Storm Dave was throwing at them.
“They were now cold, wet and fearing for their lives as they didn’t have a tent to protect them.”
A full call out was initiated and team members made their way to Patterdale base along the lake road where trees were blown over and lots of debris from the high winds was making driving conditions dangerous, the team said.
Penrith Mountain Rescue Team were also requested to help due to the nature of the rescue and location.
On reaching the group, one of the casualties was suffering from mild hypothermia. They were treated at the scene, given medication and warmed up before slowly walking off the hill to the team’s Land Rovers parked in the Hartsop Valley bottom.
Once back at Patterdale Base they were given hot drinks and warm dry clothing. Suitable advice was given on how lucky they were to be rescued in the conditions without serious injuries received.
The team added: “We would like to remind the public that the Priest Hole is hard to find in the dark and can have serious consequences if you fail to find the route up the rock face, especially in wet and wild conditions.”
