Walker slips in snow and dies in 600ft Scafell fall

The walker's companion tried to save him but became stuck

A man died when he fell 600ft (200m) down a Lake District mountain in snowy conditions.

The walker and his companion were making their way across Lord's Rake path, Scafell, in Wasdale, when he lost his footing and fell on Monday morning.

Seventeen mountain rescuers and the Sea King helicopter winched one man to safety but were unable to save the walker who died at the scene.

Rescuers warned walkers to go properly equipped with crampons and ice axes.

A spokesman for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said the man's companion had tried to climb down to help him but had become stuck.

'Challenging rescue'

He said: "The RAF managed to winch the cragfast walker off the mountain and assisted the team with the recovery of the walker who sadly did not survive his fall.

"The team would like to extend thanks to the crew of the helicopter for what was a very challenging rescue."

He added: "Walkers are reminded that the high fells are still in full winter conditions, especially north facing gullies where ice axes and crampons should be carried.

"It is also essential that walkers have the knowledge and experience of how to use them in the event of a slip or trip on snow and ice slopes."