Upper Harthope Valley

Incident Type: Rescue

As darkness fell two cold and exhausted walkers became disoriented in the upper reaches of the Harthope valley below Cairn Hill and The Cheviot. Having seen one of our AdventureSmart signs earlier in the day, the walkers decided the best thing to do was to seek help from Mountain Rescue. The two walkers did exactly the right thing as the route down to Langleeford Hope is treacherous in the dark even when you are able to follow the eroded and washed out path.

With the location of the two walkers confirmed by PhoneFind/SARLOC, a limited response involving two 4×4 vehicles and members local to the area was initiated by North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and ourselves. The vehicles drove up the track as far as Langleeford Hope, where members deployed on foot for the last 2km up towards Scotsman Knowe.

Locating the walkers was helped by them flashing their phone torch down the valley, enabling the first hill party take a compass bearing on it as they drew closer and the second hill party to use the Team’s handheld thermal imaging units. Once the hill parties arrived at the walkers’ location, they immediately descended down into the valley before putting up a group shelter to assess the situation. The walkers were given some water, Haribo sweets and warm clothing before being assisted down the valley.

Response vehicles back at base and members in bed by 02.30hrs. A job well done.

The incident involved 11 Team members for 5 hours 47 minutes. A further 8 members were on standby should additional assistance be required.

Don’t forget #BeAdventureSmart and ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:

• Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?
• Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
• Do I have the right GEAR?