Couple saved from Old Man of Coniston in harsh conditions

Rescue volunteers came to the aid of a couple who were caught out by severe weather while on The Old Man of Coniston. The incident happened on November 27, when the pair became overwhelmed by low cloud, heavy rain and strong winds near Goats Hause.
Cumbria Police requested assistance from the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, who sent two Land Rovers up the Walna Scar track before continuing the search on foot. The couple, who were making their way down after reaching the summit, were found sheltering behind rocks just above the Hause. Rescuers provided them with warm drinks, chocolate and dry clothing.
The initial plan was to guide them down towards Goat’s Water, but powerful southerly gusts made that route unsafe. Instead, the team led them north towards Seathwaite Tarn, where they were more sheltered from the wind.
Support was then requested from the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team to help transport both the walkers and rescuers from the Duddon Valley back to Coniston. Once at the base, the couple was checked over again before being allowed to head home.
The entire operation lasted around four and a half hours and involved 15 volunteers from Coniston MRT and 10 from Duddon and Furness MRT, along with three vehicles. The rescue meant Coniston’s planned hypothermia training session for the evening had to be postponed.