Kinder Low
- Call out for year: 2
- Date: 11/01/11
- Time: 5:42 pm
- Grid ref: SK 073 868
- Type of incident: Walker Search lost (self report)(2)
- Team members involved: 21
- Time taken: 4 hours
- Total man hours: 84
Incident report
Kinder MRT was unavailable for call-out at the time of this incident so, as neighbours, Buxton MRT was asked to respond following calls for help from couple lost on Kinder Scout above Hayfield.
A couple from Nottingham had been for a day’s walk up Williams Clough and on to Kinder Downfall. Their descent route took them to Kinder Low but they were soon overtaken by darkness and bad weather. A mobile phone call to the police raised the alarm but the couple had no map or compass and were unable to give their location.
21 team members of the team assembled at Bowden Bridge for the search which was hampered by several sightings of lights on the hillside which were not connected to the incident. A police helicopter also combed the area but without success. It was two hours into the search before team members located the couple who were both very tired, wet and cold.
A stretcher was sent to the location but after treatment both casualties were able to walk with assistance from the hillside.
Moral of the story: a map and compass and quality clothing are absolute essentials at this time of year whatever the weather when you set off.
One comment
Regarding incident on the 15/01/2011
Hi
We would like to say a massive thank you to the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team for their support and commitment to us when we got turned around in the bad weather conditions and loss of day light on Kinder yesterday. If it wasn’t for the commitment of the entire team risking their own lives and safety to ensure we maintained ours the outcome may have been diffrent for us. Even though the the full team were fantastic, we would just like to say Alex and Kerry’s support towards us with reassurance that everything was going to be ok was second to none. We will be fully supporting any events or causes to help the team’s gain funds and materials for the future to help others in need of assistance. You are all remarkable people that do this on a voluntary basis so people can roam the public walkways in confidence.
I can honestly say we have learned a valued lesson in not taking the weather for granted on the peaks as it can turn dangerous at anytime. We have taken on board the advice you have given us and even though we were thankful to see you all, we hope we do not bump into you again under these circumstances. I would not hesitate to buy you all a country pub lunch and a drink after a positive days ramble. We wish you all well for the future and hope you all stay safe in your personal, professional, and voluntary lives.
Kindest Regards
Andy and Claire