River floods Scafell Pike path blocking walking route

A usually-calm river has flooded a mountain path, making it dangerous for hikers to scale the summit.

A group attempting to complete the Three Peaks challenge had to turn back while climbing Scafell Pike in the Lake District on Friday due to the bad weather.

The hikers managed to cross the river but halfway up the mountain were forced to retreat after conditions worsened.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team member Richard Warren said roads were already becoming flooded and the 50mph to 60mph winds (80kph-97kph) could “take you off your feet”.

“But more concerning than that is not being able to cross the river, or the beck, when you come back down,” he said.

“And the risk of being washed down the river.”

Mr Warren said he was shocked when he saw photographs of the path, near Bratton Close car park, which had flooded ahead of the yellow weather warning which kicked in earlier.

The Met Office said heavy rain was expected across much of the north-west of England from 09:00 BST on Saturday until 06:00 on Sunday.

Forecasters said it was possible the rain would cause travel disruption and flooding, as well as a small chance of power cuts.

The Three Peaks group pushed on past the flooded river but decided to turn back when they found the rest of the route was a “no-go”, according to Mr Warren.

The mountain rescue service has released pictures of the flood in the hope others will be put off from attempting the climb this weekend.

“Nobody wants to put their family at risk,” Mr Warren said.

“It’s a very bad idea and we don’t want to be out all weekend rescuing people.”