In the news

February 21, 2026

On Saturday, 21st February, the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) was alerted by Cumbria Police to an incident on the Gowbarrow traverse involving a male walker who had sustained a debilitating knee injury.

The team was deployed immediately, with 12 volunteer members responding to the call. Upon reaching the scene, a Team Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT) conducted an assessment of the casualty. To stabilize the injury and manage the patient’s pain, medical relief was administered and the leg was professionally splinted on the hillside.

Due to the nature of the terrain and the injury, the casualty was placed into a mountain rescue stretcher. Team members then conducted a manual carry-down of the hillside, navigating the technical sections of the traverse to reach a waiting team 4×4 vehicle.

The casualty was transported by the team to the safety of the car park, where he was met by his partner. Following a further assessment, it was determined that the casualty would be transported to the hospital by his partner in their own vehicle for further treatment. The entire operation lasted approximately two and a half hours.

Patterdale MRT would like to extend a particular note of thanks to the fell runners who stopped their own exercise to stay with the casualty and his wife until the rescue team arrived. This act of kindness and support provided vital reassurance during the initial stages of the incident.

The Team wishes the casualty a swift and full recovery.