Mountain Rescue

If you are on a Lake District mountain injured or come across someone unable to walk and in need of help when hiking on the Lake District fells, dial 999 or 112, and ask for ‘Cumbria Police’ then ‘Mountain Rescue’.

This is the advice of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA).

The LDSAMRA are 12 teams of highly-trained volunteers who are there to help injured walkers safely off the mountains of the Lake District. That’s 450 volunteers at our service covering England’s highest peaks, including the notorious Scafell Pike.

Be Adventure Smart But, whilst this is what they are known for, the LDSAMRA folk actually spend a huge amount of their time and energy off the mountains, focused on preventing injuries and accidents. They run training courses, events and all sorts of marketing and fundraisers to educate on how to walk the stunning Lake District mountains safely, so you can ‘make your good day better’, in their words. The LDSAMRA have recently landed a spot on the new Lake District monopoly game and they regularly run training days.

Come Rain or Shine Let’s admit it, the Lakes is an awesome place to try new adventures, but uncontrollable factors can throw curveballs. And walking when you feel ‘lost’ is no fun at all, for the navigator or the rest of the party. Features of the landscape may have changed over time, making you lose your bearings. The weather may suddenly change so you can’t actually see your route ahead.

However, armed with confidence in your navigator’s map reading skills as well as the correct kit and supplies, and it turns into an adventure. You’ll be back to your cosy holiday cottage, feet up and planning your next exploration before you know it.

Tips for Safe Mountain Walking So, let’s take a look at making sure we tackle the Lake District’s awesome challenges and come home safe and sound, ready to plan our next one. Here are some tips:

• Never be too proud to turn back • Wear a watch, don’t rely on your phone battery • Be prepared for all-seasons-in-one-day • Keep hydrated, even in cool weather pack plenty of food and water • Make sure you can read a map and have one with you, don’t rely on GPS devices • Carry a whistle - The drill for raising alarm is to blow 6 short blasts, wait 1 minute and repeat • Take a torch - useful for returning home under darkness, but it is also a good way of getting attention if you need help

Before you set out exploring the hidden gems of the Lake District, think do we have the right gear, what’s the weather got in store and does someone in our walking party have appropriate navigation skills for the day ahead? And don’t forget to stock your cottage with delicious treats ready for your return after a successful day on the fells.