Cave Rescue Organisation

31/08/2026

Incident 58/2026 - 30/08/26 - 21:50

The team were called out to Ingleborough after three well‑prepared Three Peaks walkers became lost near the summit in darkness and low cloud as their head‑torch batteries began to fade. They made a smart choice, contacting us early and staying put rather than pushing on.

A small CRO party headed up from the Humphrey Bottom side of the hill, found them on the summit plateau, provided extra warm clothing, and guided them safely down to our vehicles. They were then taken back to their accommodation.

Their early call meant a straightforward rescue rather than a potentially serious situation later. For anyone heading out, carrying the right kit and knowing when to stop is key. It may sound like a cliche, but the hills really will be there next time!

https://cro.org.uk/incident-58-2026-sunday-30th-august-2150hrs-ingleborough-ingleton-north-yorkshire/

31/08/2026

Incident 57/2026 - 29/08/26 - 11:37

The team were alerted by North Yorkshire Police to a runner (F 55) on Whernside who had hurt her foot and could not weight bear. CRO1 and CRO3 headed to the Aqueduct just below Force Gill, where team members then carried on on foot to the casualty site. The runner was assessed and stretchered back down to our waiting vehicles and transported back to her own vehicle with her partner. She was given advice by our team doctor to attend A&E for an X ray.

We wish her a speedy recovery.

https://cro.org.uk/incident-57-2026-saturday-29th-august-1137hrs-whernside-nr-ingleton-north-yorkshire/

30/08/2026

25/08/2026

Incident 56/2026 - 25/08/26 - 13:33

The team responded to a request from North Yorkshire Police to assist a 42‑year‑old walker near the summit of Ingleborough. He was assessed, stretchered to CRO4, and transported back to his vehicle with medical advice from our team doctor.

We wish him a full recovery.

https://cro.org.uk/incident-56-2026-ingleborough-chapel-le-dale-north-yorkshire/

24/08/2026

INCIDENT 55/2026. SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST 1522h

The team were called by Yorkshire Ambulance Service to help a walker (M,20) who had injured his ankle near the Dales High Way bridleway above Malham Cove. Members were quickly on scene, supported by our Ranger friends from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

After assessment and treatment, he was transported back to his vehicle in Malham where he and his friend were given advice before heading home for further medical care. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Huge thanks again to the National Park Ranger team for their support.

https://cro.org.uk/incident-55-2026-saturday-22nd-august-1522hrs-malham-rakes-malham-north-yorkshire/

23/08/2026

A longer read for a Sunday evening, but we believe worthwhile. We’ve recently had a few comments and questions about charging people for the time and resources we put into rescues. Firstly, a reminder, mountain and cave rescue in the UK is free, and all teams are charities run by volunteers.

Our view is that if someone needs help on the hills, in the Dales or underground, the last thing they should worry about is a bill. Charging casualties might sound simple, but it creates problems that put people, and rescuers, at greater risk.

We don’t want people hesitating - If someone’s hurt, lost or unwell, they should call early, not wait until things get critical because they’re worried about money. Early calls save lives.

Accidents happen - Most of our rescues involve people who were well‑prepared but unlucky: a slip, a sudden medical issue, weather turning fast. Charging them would punish misfortune.

We’re volunteers - CRO exists because of community support, not invoices. Charging casualties would damage trust and undermine the ethos of UK mountain and cave rescue.

It makes rescues riskier - Self‑rescue attempts, hiding injuries, or pushing on when unwell all lead to more serious incidents, and more danger for our team.

The bottom line - CRO will always respond, free of charge, day or night.

No judgement. No invoice. Just help.

20/08/2026

Incident 54/2026 - 19/08/26 - 23:59

The team were called out to a camper who’d headed up towards Gaping Gill to sleep out before the ongoing winch meet, but the weather closed in and she couldn’t find a safe spot to camp or a way off the hill.

A small team took CRO1 up to Trow Gill, before heading onto the fell on foot. They quickly located her, checked she was okay, and guided her to the main camp. Once there they helped her pitch her tent and made sure the Craven Pothole Club knew she was there for the morning meet.

The camper was well prepared, but the conditions made things difficult. Getting in touch early meant we could advise her and provide support, rather than deal with a more serious situation later.

We hope the winch meet gave her a great start to the day.

https://cro.org.uk/incident-54-2026-wednesday-19th-august-2359hrs-brunt-riggs-moss-nr-clapham-north-yorkshire/