Fell Assessor Slams 'Crazy' Public

One of Weatherline's Lake District fell top assessors, ex Marine Craig Palmer, has confessed to amazement at the casual disregard of many walkers for the current harsh conditions on the fells.


Wind chill combined with low temperatures meant that the effective temperature on the summit of Helvellyn was minus 16C on Saturday, yet Craig - above left - says that many family groups are setting off up the mountain woefully under clothed.

“We’ve seen some crazy sights over the Christmas holidays,” says Craig. “One walker was wearing wellies, jeans, t-shirt and a fashion jacket on Swirral Edge, a challenging route at the best of times.

“A lot of family groups are setting out in sunshine on the valley floor and find themselves freezing cold as they head up the hill. There is virtually no snow so people are getting on to the tops relatively easily. However, without warm clothes and the right gear they are putting themselves at great risk.

“Babies and toddlers are being carried in backpacks. They’re obviously not moving and getting extremely cold.”

Frozen Tarn Danger

In addition, Craig has seen at least five groups wandering out onto the ice covering Red Tarn, one of the areas highest areas of water.

“I couldn’t believe the lack of responsibility," he says. "People are just not thinking about the consequences of ice breaking. At best, it would take mountain rescue 45 minutes to reach them. No one could hold their breath or stay warm for that long!”

Amazingly there have been no serious mountain rescue incidents over the holiday period, possibly because while the weather has been cold, it's also been clear and settled at the same time.

You can find Weatherline on 08700 55 0575 and www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline.