Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has appealed for two rescued walkers to pay a £130 hotel bill they owe, return two head torches lent to them, and collect a hospital crutch left in the team's vehicle. The walkers were rescued on the night of 29-30 December after attempting to climb Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, in treacherous winter conditions.
The seven-hour rescue was the team's last of 2025. The walkers, described as two young men, were located high on the mountain and brought down safely, wet and hungry, in the early hours. The team described the incident as 'totally avoidable' due to the dangerous conditions.
The Wasdale Head Inn's bar manager, Steve, offered to stay up late to provide snacks and a room at a 35% discount. More than three weeks later, the bill remains unpaid, and the telephone number given by the walkers did not work. The team said the pair agreed to pay but claimed their money was in a tent high on the fell near Green Gable.
In the morning, the walkers reportedly asked for a further discount, pushed for breakfast, and requested transport out of the valley. The rescue team stated, 'We avoid judging those we rescue, but we struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters.'
The team felt obliged to pay the hotel bill, though the inn was willing to cover the loss. Following a Facebook post, donations exceeded the amount needed. The team said, 'We are bowled over by the generosity of your support. Any additional funding raised will go directly towards the team’s operational costs, which are in excess of £100,000 annually.'
