Two casualties treated following incident on the Trinacle Trail near Greenfield

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team

Twenty one members of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were called to reports of a person who had fallen near ‘Greenfield Waterfall’ on the ‘Trinnacle Trail’ on Wednesday evening.

On arrival at scene, it emerged there were in fact two casualties, a young adult and a child, both of who managed to make their way down Birchen Clough with the assistance of family members.

It transpired the family had been out walking the ‘Trinnacle Trail’ after seeing it advertised in the media.

Unfortunately, the casualties slipped and fell while descending Birchen Clough. By their own admission they did not appreciate how challenging the route can be in places and would not have undertaken the route if they had known.

Both casualties were treated by team members and then handed over to North West Ambulance Service for transport to hospital.

Thankfully and luckily it has been confirmed both casualties only suffered some minor injuries.

But mountain rescue would like to use this post to reinforce some of our messages from our prior post on the ‘Trinnacle Trail’.

While we always encourage people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, it is important  they understand the potential risks that may be encountered; something that the various media outlets often fail to mention.

Although the ‘Trinnacle Trail’ may be advertised as one of the best walks in the UK, it must be understood there are some parts that are more than a walk: the section up Birchen Clough past ‘Greenfield Waterfall’ is a scramble that often requires the use of hands and feet to make progress up rocky steps.

If you are planning on venturing into the hills, a little preparation will help ensure an enjoyable day:

• Check the route and what is involved.
• Is it within your capabilities?
• Do you have enough time to finish in daylight?
• Tell someone where you are going and when expect to be back.
• Take the right kit.
• Do you have waterproofs and spare clothing? and wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.
• Take a map and compass (and know how to use them).
• Mobile phone apps and GPS devices are useful but cannot be relied on in cold / wet conditions.
• Carry a torch in case you do get caught out by fading light.
• Check the weather.
• Be prepared to adapt or postpone if the weather is poor.
• Fully charge your mobile phone. In case you do need to contact the emergency services.

• If the worst does happen and you need emergency assistance in the hills, dial 999, ask for Police and MOUNTAIN RESCUE. When you have summoned help, stay where you are and keep warm until assistance does arrive.

OMRT wish both casualties a full and speedy recovery and an enjoyable end to their holiday.

OMRT add, as a rescue service, we are happy to assist anyone in distress. We don’t judge our casualties and respectfully ask our followers to act in a similar manner. Let’s keep it positive folks.  The team were involved for two hours.