Helen first did #walk1000miles in 2017, and has done it each year since, along with her dad. ‘It always spurs us on to do a few more miles.’
Experienced hill-walker and three-times 1000-miler Helen Robinson was about to cross her 200th-mile-threshold when disaster struck in the Lake District! She was kind enough to tell us the whole story…
‘Walking and outdoor adventures are something I was brought up with. As a kid we would always holiday in the UK. In Devon, we would spend hours playing in the sea after walking to a magical secluded cove, or in Scotland we used to stay in a cottage that backed onto the woods, and the moors were at the end of the track where we would pick bilberries and go fishing in the loch. I have to admit though, I didn’t always enjoy walking! My family often remind me of the tantrums I would have when I’d had enough, lie on the ground and refuse to move until they threatened to leave me there.
I was in my mid 20s maybe by the time I realised I was actually enjoying walks on holiday. I loved the fresh air, the headspace, and spending quality time with family along the way. Plus, it was often an excuse for a nice pub lunch!
This February was my 8th or 9th winter walking trip to the Lake District. We were disappointed it wasn’t looking like we would see any snow, but knew we’d make the most of our week whatever the weather threw at us. On that Tuesday, the day started well. The strong winds had dropped, so after our substantial cooked breakfast at the Royal Oak hotel in Borrowdale where we were staying, we decided we’d do the Coledale Round walk. It was still a bit breezy and there wasn’t much in the way of views for the first half. But after a cloudy day on the tops, the weather finally cleared to reveal some amazing views for our walk down. When we stopped for our lunch break it was like the world just opened up around us. You could see for miles, and we were able to look back at where our day’s journey had taken us. One of those really special moments we could have happily gazed upon for hours – had it not been so cold when you stopped! We had a nice easy decent down Barrow Fell ahead, and were looking forward to a well-earned pint at the bottom.
‘When we stopped for our lunch break it was like the world just opened up around us.’
’Maybe I’d lost my concentration, maybe I was too preoccupied by the views.’
Either way, one minute I was happily walking along, the next I was on the ground with my ankle twisted underneath me. The pain was instant, and there was an unpleasant cracking sound. I lay in a heap for a second hoping to be able to compose myself. I tried to sit up, but my foot felt like a lead weight stuck to the ground. After having to lift my foot with both hands into a more normal position, it felt like my walking boot was holding things together! With the pain I was in, and that sound it had made, I knew I wouldn’t make it down on my own, even though we were so close to the finish.
The moment just after Helen fell.
I think we both couldn’t believe how things had suddenly turned. Dad said a worried ‘oh no, Helen you haven’t….’ and my instant response was a pained ‘Yep’. He responded with ‘Shall I make the call!?’. Again, my response was a probably quite apologetic sounding ‘yeah’. My phone’s sim card had malfunctioned earlier in the day, so we were down to one phone. He quickly called; they were struggling to hear each other at times over the howling wind. But as dad was waiting for a call back from the emergency services, his phone ran out of power! Thankfully, I had a power bank with me, and within minutes we were able to give our exact location to the operator using the what 3 words app, and we were told the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team would soon be with us.
I soon started to get cold, as even at this lower level the wind was strong and icy. I put on extra layers and got out my emergency bag, but soon started shivering quite violently, probably a combination of cold and shock. I kept hoping it was a bad dream I’d wake up from. Then before we knew it, the cavalry appeared over the crest of the hill below us. It was a huge relief to see them. Within minutes, I was wrapped up warm and was protected from the wind by a pop-up tent. Everything happened so quickly: the team worked seamlessly together. I was really only aware of the two members of the team either side of me and a couple at my feet assessing my ankle at this point. They were so friendly and put me at ease straight away. We were even having a laugh and a joke – they were such lovely people.
They asked if there was any blood, and at this point we hadn’t dared touch anything, so I had no idea what my trousers and gaitor were concealing. I was dreading them removing my boot as knew it was going to hurt. Initially I declined the offer of gas and air, but the lovely guy to my left said I’d be pleased of it whilst they were working on my ankle, so I took his advice! Fortunately, and to my great relief, there was no open wound! I was quickly made comfortable and my ankle put in a splint. And before I knew it, I was sledging down the hill on the stretcher.
‘How this many people going about their normal live could mobilize and be so organised so quickly is truly incredible.’
It was only then I became aware of the number of team members that were in attendance (17 in total I later discovered, and a dog). How this many people going about their normal lives, and doing this as volunteers, could mobilize and be so organised so quickly is truly incredible! The Keswick mountain rescue ambulance was waiting for me at the bottom, but fortunately we were able to make our own way in the car to Carlisle hospital, where I was x-rayed and told I had fractured my fibula.
Typically, the weather was perfect the remaining 2 days of our stay when all we could do was look out at it! It was hard not to get emotional – I look forward to these trips so much, and it does so much good for my mental health. Living in Lincolnshire, there are no mountains near us! I cherish the time I get to spend in the Lake District.
Back at home, my local fracture clinic confirmed I had a much worse spiral fracture when they re-X-rayed. So I was put in a cast, which I’ll have on for at least 6 weeks, followed by a boot for another month. No walking potentially for months, so I’ll have to play catch-up later in the year to hit my 1000 miles. I think these next few months are going to feel like a lifetime, but I just keep trying to remind myself how good it will feel when I’m finally back out there and back on my #walk1000miles adventure.
We’d class ourselves as quite experienced fell walkers, and I’m also a trail runner, so it just proves it can happen to anyone. I really can’t thank the Keswick mountain rescue team enough. It’s a service we all hope we won’t need to call on, but they are always there if disaster strikes! They’re living proof not all heroes wear capes The guys, ladies, and canines that give up their time as volunteers, often in horrific weather, and in dangerous situations to do this amazing work really do deserve the medals!’
