Stranded sheep stuck in crag for three weeks finally rescued

The mountain rescue team called the operation "epic and daring" (Photo: Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team)
The mountain rescue team called the operation "epic and daring" (Photo: Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team)

A sheep stranded on a steep cliff in the Lake District for three weeks has now been rescued thanks to a mountain rescue team.

The sheep was on a narrow ledge situated to the right of Bull Ghyll, Honister Pass, for three weeks.

Rescuers from the Cockermouth Mountain Team climbed the crag to reach the sheep.

A spokesman for the team described it as an "epic and daring rescue".

"Think Indiana Jones crossed with Tomb Raider, crossed with Jumanji, crossed with ... One Man And His Dog," he said.

(Photo: Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team)
(Photo: Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team)

"The problem was that it was very far down the crag and the best way in was to climb up to it on wet slate which forced us to aid into it.

"Once down we had to get the sheep to a safe space on the crag, which involved using the via ferrata.

"In one of the photos, you can see our woolly friend clipped in to the via ferrara to help cross a metal bridge," he added.

Earlier this year, a lamb stranded at the bottom of a 250ft cliff in Cornwall for four days was rescued.