Walkers rescued on Scafell Pike fail to settle hotel bill
It happened in December
Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has shared details of its final rescue of 2025, which involved two young walkers stranded on Scafell Pike, in difficult Winter conditions.
The overnight operation on 29th–30th December saw the volunteers spend seven hours assisting the pair, who were unable to navigate their descent, due to treacherous conditions near Green Gable.
After safely guiding the walkers back to the valley in the early hours of the morning, the Wasdale Head Inn generously stepped in to provide snacks and lodging at a reduced 35% rate. The inn’s bar manager, Steve, stayed late to assist, ensuring the walkers had a warm place to recover.
While the walkers initially agreed to settle their bill, they have yet to do so. Efforts to contact them and retrieve missing items loaned by the rescue team, including two head torches, have been unsuccessful. A hospital crutch, left in the team’s vehicle, also remains unclaimed.
The rescue team praised the generosity of the Wasdale Head Inn and its staff, noting their commitment to acting quickly in support of the community.
Wasdale MRT says it remains dedicated to providing its search and rescue service, which is managed entirely by unpaid volunteers. The team’s operations often involve significant costs, exceeding £100,000 annually, and are supported through community and partner efforts.
The team hopes the rescued individuals reflect on the kindness shown by both the rescue volunteers and the staff at Wasdale Head Inn during their time of need.