Irresponsible, unprepared, unnecessary and unacceptable – that’s the scathing public verdict on two so-called “plonkers” who had to be rescued from Blencathra last week.
On Friday, the pair set off to climb the 868m (2,847ft) peak at 7.15pm with no torches.
Darkness and then mist set in, leaving them unable to find their way down and the all too regular call-out for Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
A report of the rescue online saw contributors wade in. There were demands that the rescued pair make donations to mountain rescue, while others said the police should start paying rescue teams for call outs.
Another commenter suggested that it was now “too easy” for people to get rescued, and others said the time had come for people to cough up if their own foolishness led to a rescue.
Kathleen Walsh said: “That was rather late to start a serious walk,” and Judy Whitehouse added: “Going without torches was a bit mad.”
Another called it “blind ignorance” and a reflection on modern society.
Joyce Duff said: “Makes me angry when incidents like this are just so unnecessary. Plonkers.”
Denis Wilson said: “Totally avoidable and totally inexcusable.”
The rescue took eight team members a total of three hours and 17 minutes.
The rescue team took a more diplomatic approach. It reminded walkers that before setting off they should always ask themselves if they have the correct knowledge, skills and equipment, and an awareness of the weather. Lighting-up time is now before 8.30pm.
