Rescued Hikers Flee Without Paying Hotel Bill After Mountain Rescue, Nonprofit Claims

Two hikers rescued from England’s highest mountain in late December have sparked controversy by skipping out on their hotel bill following a dangerous climbing attempt in severe winter conditions, according to the rescue team that saved them.

The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team spent seven hours on December 29 locating and retrieving the two men from Scafell Pike, which stands at 3,200 feet. Following the rescue, the manager of the Wasdale Head Inn agreed to accommodate the exhausted hikers, providing them with a room at a 35% discount and late-night snacks.

“We avoid judging those we rescue but struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters in the valley,” the nonprofit rescue organization stated in a social media post that has since garnered significant attention.

According to the rescue team, the men claimed they didn’t have money with them but promised to pay later. Instead, they departed the following morning without settling their £130 (approximately $178) bill. The nonprofit said it felt obligated to cover the expense on their behalf.

The rescue organization further alleged that the men’s behavior extended beyond just leaving without payment. “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 post stated.

Adding to the frustration, the men reportedly have not returned two flashlights borrowed during the rescue operation. Attempts to contact them have been unsuccessful, with the rescue team noting that the phone number provided to the hotel manager doesn’t work.

The incident has highlighted the often-overlooked challenges faced by mountain rescue teams, which typically operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on volunteers and donations. The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team noted that their annual operational costs exceed £100,000 (about $130,000), and their team members are all unpaid volunteers.

“We never charge but equally donations are always appreciated,” the rescue team emphasized, pointing out that such incidents, while rare, create unexpected financial burdens.

The situation has sparked outrage among outdoor enthusiasts and local supporters, many of whom have rallied to support both the inn and the rescue team. Following the post, good Samaritans have donated more than the outstanding amount to the inn, with the excess funds being directed toward the rescue team’s operational costs.

The Wasdale Head Inn expressed gratitude for the public response, noting this behavior was unprecedented in their experience. “Luckily this is the first time in living memory (45 years or more) that those rescued have behaved like this,” the inn commented. “However, the messages of support and donations for the team from so many people more than make up for this one selfish episode.”

Mountain safety experts frequently warn hikers about the dangers of attempting climbs in winter conditions without proper preparation. Scafell Pike, located in England’s Lake District National Park, is a popular hiking destination but can become treacherous in adverse weather conditions. The rescue team described the hikers’ situation as “avoidable,” suggesting they may have been unprepared for the mountain’s winter challenges.

The rescue organization hopes that by publicizing the incident, the two men might be prompted to settle their debt and “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.”