With regards to the Helvellyn death toll (Gazette, June 25, ‘Helvellyn death toll hits five’), this story is set to rumble as the fatalities on the fell continue to rise. Such incidents are sad, but inevitable when so many people use the mountains.

Add to this the numbers who are clearly not aware of the dangers, lack the common sense to know when to turn back or take another route, then the numbers start to stack up. But signage is not the answer, nor is calling for restrictions for walkers.

My wife and I are local residents and walk in the mountains on regularly.

We’ve had our share of accidents, a few necessitating medical intervention, one a mountain rescue call-out.

Such incidents are part of a physical pastime that incurs some risk.

You can reduce risks by being vigilant and restricting difficulties, taking into consideration the weather and your own fitness, plus knowing how to navigate. But accidents will still happen.

We accept these risks, weighing up the benefits of physical activity that keeps you fit and focused, as opposed to sedentary. At no time have we encountered people within the medical profession or mountain rescue services who have suggested stopping, or reducing our activities.

Accidents are just that, just bad luck, some avoidable.

The latter might be reduced through further education and training, but for most people that venture into our mountains these are often the last thoughts in their heads I fancy.

An example is some time before this last incident we were on Helvellyn on a bright, dry day. Standing alongside the cairn marking the descent of Swirral Edge, a party of teenagers led by a man approached.

The leader told his group to stay behind the cairn while he went to the edge muttering ‘let’s see what all the fuss is about’. I quietly went up to him and pointed out that three fatalities had occurred so far this year and that was what all the fuss was about!

I rarely offer advice on a mountain unless asked for, but this occasion called for intervention as this so-called leader obviously had no idea of the risks. His charges were now crowding near the edge. Here was a perfect opportunity for a lesson in risk assessment, but sadly missed as the leader turned on his charges and simply shouted at them to do as they had been told!

For most people the odd incident will result in a scraped knee or perhaps a cut at worse. These are the incidents we don’t get to hear about, the ones that go some way to bringing home the risks and educating those who suffer them. No real harm done and plenty of experience gained is no bad thing.

You can only really get that experience by being out there, so please don’t go down the road of demanding restrictions or implementing the Nanny State.

Clive Bowd

Kendal