Police ScotlandPolice have issued a warning to walkers to come prepared when hiking in wintry conditions, after rescue teams were called to the same spot three times on Valentine’s Day.
Police Scotland’s Tayside Mountain Rescue officers, alongside members of Tayside Mountain Rescue team, were called to Corrie Kilbo in Glen Doll on February 14 after groups attempted to tackle the descent on Kilbo Path without “adequate kit”
Tayside MRT said the conditions on Saturday called for “full crampons, axe and helmet” on the path, as snow and ice were found on top of the Corrie to the floor and a hard crust had formed on the 60-degree slope.
Rescues were required for two groups, who had come ill-prepared for the icy conditions, as well as a third group who had slipped and suffered injuries on the path.
Ahead of the weekend, police have issued a reminder to walkers to come prepared when attempting to tackle Scotland’s Munros.
Constable Morgan, Tayside’s Police MRT leader, said the conditions last weekend featured an “unforgiving and uniformed blanket of snow and ice” as he assisted in the triple callout.
He said: “On the first occasion I headed up the Kilbo Path to reach those in difficulty, I found the underfoot conditions absolutely dictated my use of ice axe and crampons, right from the very bottom of the ascent right up to where the walkers were stuck at the top.
“Given the Kilbo Path dissects the steep corrie wall at angles of up to 60 degrees, a slip at any stage on the snow/ice slope would result in a person taking off into the Corrie 150+ metres below. In such winter conditions, the usual summer path is non-existent, covered completely in an unforgiving and uniformed blanket of snow and ice.
Police Scotland“Before I reached those in difficulty, I met a number of other walkers using ice axe and crampons on the slopes, which was so encouraging to see. Although it was hard going underfoot, these people were clearly having a great day and enjoying the descent, which was in stark contrast to those we were there to help who were either stuck high up in the very consequential environment or had slid into the Corrie below.
“It is never nice to see people in such difficulty as the fear for them is real, but with some careful physical support and encouragement, we were able to help them reach safety.”
Constable Morgan added that while nearby Munros Mayar and Driesh have a reputation for being straightforward climbs during most months of the year, the ascents and descents in both Corrie Fee and on the Kilbo Path are a “serious undertaking”.
Police ScotlandHe added: “I have been involved in many rescues over the years at both locations where slips on ice have resulted in a range of injuries, including fatalities, which I would not want anyone else to suffer. Good winter skills, including the use of ice axes, crampons and assessment of conditions are fun to learn and once developed will make mountain days at this time of year much safer and hugely enjoyable.
“We would like to thank the wonderful aircrews of ‘Rescue 948’ and ‘Rescue 851’ for their support of our teams at the weekend as well as the other hillwalkers who offered to lend support to the rescues. Finally, our best wishes to those we came to help and a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
For more information on winter skills, visit the Mountaineering Scotland website.
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