Seven hours of intense mountain rescue on England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, ended in disappointment when two young walkers disappeared without settling their hotel bill. On December 29, the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team rushed to aid the pair amid dangerous conditions.
Following the rescue, the Wasdale Head Inn showed great generosity by providing food and shelter, and reducing the walkers’ bill by 35%. However, by the next morning, the pair had vanished. They had also demanded further discounts, free breakfast, and transport, leaving the hotel and rescue team facing an unpaid bill nearly a month later.
The hotel’s kindness was met with questionable behaviour. Despite offering to cover the costs themselves, the rescue team insists it will bear the financial burden to keep the vital service operational. A spokesperson for the Wasdale team said, “We avoid judging those we rescue but struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters in the valley.”
The men claimed they left their money in a tent near Green Gable and promised to pay the £130 bill later. However, their phone number is no longer in service.
Adding to the complications, the walkers failed to return head torches lent during the rescue, as well as a hospital crutch loaned to one of the men for a knee injury. The team is eager to recover this equipment. “We’ve tried contacting the walkers to settle their debt and return the torches, plus the crutch, but no reply so far,” the spokesperson added.
The local community has rallied behind the rescuers, raising over £2,200 to help cover expenses. The rescue team operates on an annual budget exceeding £100,000 and depends heavily on goodwill. A social media appeal urging the missing men to do the right thing received no response.
The pair were found near the Bad Step scramble by a wild camper who sheltered them until help arrived. The rescue team provided warm jackets and microspikes to ensure a safe descent. One walker suffered a worsening knee injury and was given pain relief at the scene.
Steve, the bar manager at the Wasdale Head Inn, stayed up late to feed and accommodate the walkers at a discounted rate. Instead of gratitude, the men pushed for additional freebies without paying their bill.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that mountain rescues require significant time and money. Hospitality is not free, and both rescuers and local businesses rely on respect and goodwill. It is important not to abuse this generosity.
Originally published by UKNIP.
