Lake District hotel gets no thanks after helping lost men

A seven-hour rescue took place across December 29 and 30 last year when the pair became lost whilst descending Scafell Pike.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) was alerted to their predicament and, following the completion of the rescue, the Wasdale Head Inn provided accommodation at a reduced rate so that the two men could recover.

However, the MRT has since shared on social media that the walkers have not paid the hotel for the night’s stay.

A spokesperson said: “The two had already agreed to pay but their money was in their tent somewhere high on the fell near Green Gable.

“Disappointingly, in the morning they offered no thanks for the efforts of the hotel, asked for further reductions to the cost, pushed hard for a breakfast and asked if they could arrange transport to get them out of the valley.

“Sadly there has been no payment to the hotel of the £130 outstanding room cost or [a] thank you.”

Two head torches lent to the pair to get them safely off the mountain have also gone missing, according to the MRT.

The spokesperson continued: “The hotel has already agreed to cover the loss – however, as we had promised to cover any loss if the walkers failed pay, we do still feel obliged to reimburse the hotel from our own funds in order that similar hospitality can be requested in the future under similar circumstances.

“We have tried contacting the two walkers to encourage them to settle their debt with the hotel but also to return the head torches.

“We also would like to return their hospital crutch left in our vehicle that one of them with a previous leg injury had used on the ascent but again, sadly no replies to date.”

The MRT has encouraged the men to settle their debt by donating the expected money towards the team

“They might also reflect on the kindness they were offered that night by the staff at the Wasdale Head Inn and our own volunteer team following their eventful visit to Cumbria.

“Our search and rescue service is freely provided by our unpaid volunteers – we never charge but equally donations are always appreciated.

“Especially to help contribute to our significant capital and operational costs, and even some of our more unusual but rare £130 losses.”

You can support Wasdale MRT by visiting the website here.