Mountain dogs rescued after getting stuck on ‘scariest footpath’

By Charlie Fenton

Two mountain dogs had to be saved by a rescue crew after getting stuck on the "UK's scariest footpath."

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (WMRT) said they received a call from a couple who were walking their two Bernese Mountain Dogs — called Hugo and Elsie — along Wastwater Screes, in Wasdale, the Lake District, Cumbria.

Wastwater Screes — a mile-long stretch of large rocks — is regarded as "Britain's scariest footpath."

This is because of its highly unstable, shifting boulders that plunge directly into Wast Water, England's deepest lake (258 feet).

It even features a warning sign at its entrance saying "not recommended," reminding walkers of its danger.

The rescue team said the couple and their dogs had become stranded after the pups reached a section of the boulder field where they decided "it was time to paws and reflect, firmly concluding they were not going any fur‑ther."

The incident happened at the scenic national park around 7:18 p.m. on Monday, June 29.

Luckily, the team was already at the base due to an ongoing incident and six members who were not required on that job were able to respond, according to WMRT.

A boat was deployed and they were all safely brought to the opposite shore.

The rescue took around two and a half hours, according to WMRT.

A spokesperson said: "Cumbria Police received a call from a couple walking the Wastwater Screes with their two Bernese Mountain Dogs — Hugo and Elsie — who had reached a section of the boulder field where the dogs decided it was time to paws and reflect, firmly concluding they were not going any fur‑ther.

"With the team already at base due to an ongoing incident (WA.72.26), six MRT members who were not required on that job were able to respond straight away.

"The Wasdale Boat was deployed and made its way across the lake to retrieve the stranded couple and their two very large, very loveable companions.

"Hugo and Elsie were over the moon (and tail‑waggingly excited) about their unexpected boat trip, enjoying biscuits and giving the crew plenty of encouragement with enthusiastic woofs.

"They were safely transported — along with their owners — to the opposite shore so they could return to their car without any more ruff terrain to negotiate.

"A wholesome rescue all-round, with two happy Bernese mountain dogs enjoying a surprise cruise on Wastwater and proving once again that even the best adventure dogs sometimes need a little help from their friends."