Mountain rescue team issue safety warning after Dovestones drama

Just after 6pm yesterday evening (Sunday), Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were contacted by Greater Manchester Police to assist with locating a group of walkers lost in the Dovestones area. 

Using Phonefind technology, the group’s location was established as Middle Edge Moss, between Birchen Clough and Holme Clough.

The team soon had vehicles at Birchen Weir, and team members heading towards the group where they met the group and a supporting National Police Air Service helicopter. 

The group been following the ‘Trinnacle Trail’ and after realising they had made an error, did the correct thing by staying put following the emergency call. 

After establishing the walkers were safe, but cold, the group were both flown and walked down to the vehicles for a more thorough check; then returned to rescue team base for a refreshments, biscuits and a warm up. 

Rob Tortoiseshell, OMRT leader, said: “There continues to be a lot of publicity about the unofficially named ‘Trinnacle Trail’, with a variety of walking routes offered in apps and on social media covering the Dovestones area of Saddleworth that takes in ‘Greenfield Waterfall’ (in Birchen Clough) and the three-pronged gritstone pillar known locally as The Trinnacle. 

“Although it has always been a popular destination for those in the know, exposure on social media, along with local and national news outlets, has meant the number of people tackling the trail has surged. 

“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 the rocky steps; it is not for the faint hearted. 

“As well as the challenging terrain, even on the brightest of days, the weather in the hills can change in an instant.

"What may be shorts and t-shirt weather down in the valley can soon become a very different prospect at higher levels on the edge of Saddleworth Moor; rain, high winds and poor visibility are frequently encountered.”

He went on: “Oldham Mountain Rescue Team have seen a huge increase in the people we have had to assist in the Birchen Clough/Raven Stones (Trinnacle) area. 

“Over 25 per cent of our incidents are now in this area with people usually following some iteration of the ‘Trinnacle Trail’. 

“On occasion these incidents involve serious and / or potentially life changing injuries.

"One of the common spots is in the vicinity of Birchen Clough and the waterfall, which is compounded by the lack of mobile phone signal in the gully.

"This means it is not always possible to contact emergency services when they are required.

“It is almost a pre-requisite of visiting the Trinnacle that the hiker gets a photograph of themselves on top of the pillar, but please use caution; it can be slippery when wet, and extremely exposed when windy.".

The rescue team leader offered this advice: if you are planning on venturing into the hills, suitable 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 you expect to be back.

• Take the right kit. Do you have waterproofs and spare warm clothing? 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 happens and you need emergency assistance in the hills, dial 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Having some basic details will help the response:

• Exact location. Preferably an OS grid reference. ‘OS Locate’ is an excellent free app which will provide this.

Whilst other location apps are available, rescuers will always convert the information into a grid reference.

Downloading the app before heading out will save valuable time and battery power (as well as there being no guarantee of good signal on the hill).

• Nature of injuries or illness. Plus any pre-existing health issues.

• Name and age of casualty.

• Number in party.

When you have summoned help, stay where you are, minimise movement of any casualty, and keep warm until assistance does arrive.

Taking the appropriate precautions beforehand will help to ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable outing in our beautiful surroundings.

Mr Tortoiseshell added: “Thanks again to GMP and NPAS for their support."

Thirteen OMRT personnel were involved for two-and-a-half hours.

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