A couple had a memorable second date after they both became embroiled in a dramatic rescue on a Lake District mountain.
The pair had decided to climb Sharp Edge on Blencathra in slippery conditions on Saturday afternoon. Part way along the treacherous ridge they wisely opted out of climbing any further and turned back towards Scales Tarn.
On the descent, the man slipped and fell and Instinctively put out his arms to try to avoid tumbling but ended up sliding fast and bumping down the steep rocky slope until he came to rest on a ledge some 60 metres further down.
His partner was then stuck on the crag unable to go up or down.
Keswick mountain rescue team responded approaching the stricken couple from below Mousethwaite Combe and requested air ambulance and coastguard helicopter assistance.
But the weather conditions meant neither helicopter was able to assist directly with the rescue.
Team members were split into two parties with a hasty team going to assist the fallen man approaching from the tarn while the second party climbed up to and along Sharp Edge in order to get to and lower the woman to safety.
In the meantime, a passer-by had gone to the man’s assistance and given him extra clothing to wear whilst waiting for the rescue team.
Rescuers used the man’s torch light to help locate the casualty.
When mountain rescuers arrived at the scene, a group shelter was used to protect the casualty against the increasingly inclement weather. Heat blankets were used to keep the casualty warm whilst he was being assessed prior to evacuation.
The man had injured his lower back, ribs and leg in the fall. Strong analgesia was given before he was immobilised in a vacuum mattress and placed on a stretcher for a rope-assisted lower down the mountain..
In the meantime other team members had climbed along Sharp Edge securing a safety line along the ridge.
A belay was set up and a team member lowered to locate and secure the crag-fast female.
Once harnessed and helmeted, the woman and rescuer were lowered to easy ground at the foot of the crag above the tarn from where they were able to walk down.
The man was then taken to Glasgow hospital by coastguard helicopter which had waited in a field at the base of the mountain.
A team spokesman said that despite the drama of their second date, a third one has already been discussed.
Twenty-five volunteers were involved in the five-hour rescue.
