Man dies after falling over 200ft on Lake District walking route

A man has died after plunging 230ft from a mountain ridge in the  Lake District.

The alarm was raised following the fall from Sharp Edge on Blencathra, in the north of the national park, on Thursday afternoon.

Keswick Mountain Rescue said its first callout of the year ended in tragedy after a man died following a horror fall.

Volunteers from the rescue team recovered the man’s body, which was transported to the air ambulance and flown to the team’s base in in Keswick, Cumbria.

The team,  called out at 12.25pm, thanked other walkers for their help and has offered condolences to the man’s family.

An image of the rescue shows snow on the ground surrounding rescuers and the helicopter.

Keswick Mountain Rescue said in a social media post: “Our first call-out of the year had a tragic ending after a man died in a 70m fall from Sharp Edge.

“A Keswick team member already on Blencathra made his way to the scene above Scales Tarn, along with the crew of Helimed 58, who landed nearby.

“Keswick team recovered the body to H58 who then airlifted the man to Keswick MR Base.”

David Smith wrote on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team’s Facebook post: “The weather yesterday was minus 2 in Keswick town centre; Latrigg was very icy on sections on the same day; Blencathra (which I have climbed) must have been treacherous, only suitable for experienced ice climbers (with ropes) with the right kit. 

“This is a tragic reminder some walks need respecting especially sharp edge which has claimed lives over the years even on summer days.”

Ann Clark commented: “Very sorry that you’ve had such a horrible start to your year. At least the family and friends of the deceased will have closure.

“I hope no one else attempts Sharp Edge or any of the other precipitous ridges whilst we have such inclement weather making conditions very dangerous for even the most experienced.”

Whilst Claire Louise said: “What a sad outcome or the climber. Well done to all involved. I hope you are being looked after as a team as this can not have been easy.”

Sharp Edge is the famous ridge route up to the summit of Blencathra in the Northern Fells region of the English Lake District.

The challenging route has steep and very sudden drops on either side.