Two adventurers found themselves in a tight spot after getting lost on England’s tallest peak amidst “dangerous winter conditions.” Following their seven-hour rescue, they reportedly skipped out on a hotel bill, according to the nonprofit that came to their aid.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team shared on Facebook, “While we refrain from passing judgment on those we assist, it baffles us when those we rescue exploit the generosity of our valley supporters.”
After their safe retrieval from Scafell Pike on December 29, under circumstances the team deemed “avoidable,” the manager of the Wasdale Head Inn graciously stayed up late to provide the men with snacks and accommodations.
With an elevation of 3,200 feet, Scafell Pike stands as England’s highest mountain.
The hikers were offered a 35% discount on the room rate, which they initially agreed to but claimed not to have their money with them. They departed without settling the bill, leading the rescue organization to cover the cost, as revealed by the nonprofit.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team members trek Scafell Pike on December 29. (Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team)
“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,” the nonprofit alleged. “The answer was, sorry no extras and please transfer money when you can.”
The nonprofit also said the men haven’t returned two flashlights missing from the team after the rescue.
In addition, they said the phone number given to the hotel manager to contact the men didn’t work.
The nonprofit said the men still haven’t paid back the $178 bill, although the post generated so much goodwill that good Samaritans have given more money than owed to the inn, which the group said, “will go directly towards the team’s operational costs which are in excess of £100,000 annually.”
Scafell Pike in 2024. (Richard Baker/In Pictures via Getty Images)
The team said they tried contacting the men about the money and the flashlights and to return a crutch that one of the men left in one of the team’s vehicles but hadn’t heard back.
“This post will hopefully prompt the two young males to settle their debt,” the team wrote, adding that they left a QR on the post for ease of payment. “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.”
The team concluded the post by explaining that their volunteers are unpaid, and “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.”
The manager of the Wasdale Head Inn agreed to put the men up for the night at a discounted rate but was never paid. (Google Maps)
In a comment below the post, the hotel thanked the team for “dealing with this incident in their usual professional manner, and to our staff who stayed up to look after the starving and frozen walkers when they were brought in around 2am.
“Luckily this is the first time in living memory (45 years or more) that those rescued have behaved like this, however the messages of support and donations for the team from so many people more than make up for this one selfish episode.”
