Countrystride #26: PIERS GILL and MOUNTAIN RESCUE

...in which we attempt a winter ascent of Lingmell alongside the dramatic chasm and accident blackspot of Piers Gill with Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association chairman and Wasdale team member Richard Warren. As we walk, through increasingly Alpine conditions, we talk about the non-judgemental camaraderie of the teams, rescuing lost dogs and cannabis casualties and why it's so easy to go wrong descending Scafell Pike. Abandoning our summit attempt we discuss the pros and cons of social media and learn about how teams say farewell to those who lose their lives on the fells.

• To find out more about the Wasdale team see: www.wmrt.org.uk

• AdventureSmart UK can be found at www.adventuresmart.uk

Piers Gill.

Richard Warren with producer Dave Felton.

The walk begins at Burnthwaite Farm.

Consumption wall in Wasdale Head meadows.

The Countrystride duo following Lingmell Beck.

A snowy Gable.

The view over Sty Head.

Increasingly wintry conditions. Shortly after this we turned back.

Great Napes.

Evening light over Yewbarrow.

Sunlight and shadows.

Our route for the day.