Passing My Mountain Rescue Dog Assessment in the Lake District

I’m delighted to share that Ghyll and I recently passed our Mountain Rescue operational search dog assessment in the Lake District — a challenging and rewarding experience set in some truly demanding terrain.

The assessment took place across four designated mountain search areas, including Honister Pass and the Borrowdale Fells below Glaramara.

Over the course of the weekend, Ghyll and I systematically worked through each area, searching rugged ground, boulder fields, steep slopes, scree banks, craggy buttresses, and complex terrain features that really tested our teamwork, endurance, and search capabilities. Across the four areas, we successfully located a total of 11 casualties who were hidden in realistic and challenging positions — all designed to reflect true mountain rescue scenarios.

---

A Weekend to Remember

The culmination of the weekend came on Saturday evening, when we were officially informed that we had passed. No matter how confident you feel during the assessments, hearing those words comes as a massive relief.

The achievement was marked with the presentation of our certificate at the MRSDE AGM, surrounded by fellow handlers, assessors, and supporters — making the moment even more special.

Passing this assessment represents a significant milestone for me and reflects years of training, commitment, and above all, the trust and bond between handler and dog.

---

A Personal Connection

As a young lad, I met my first mountain rescue dog handler in Cumbria, in the Borrowdale valley — a place where I spent much of my childhood.

I remember being fascinated as the handler spoke about their work, and that encounter planted a seed that’s stayed with me ever since. It inspired me to join Mountain Rescue, and later, to pursue becoming a handler myself. To pass our final assessment in the same valley where that first impression was made felt incredibly personal and meaningful.

---

Gratitude and Pride

I’m incredibly proud of what Ghyll and I have achieved, and deeply grateful for the support and encouragement we’ve received along the way — from fellow handlers, training teams, and the many wonderful people who’ve volunteered to "body" for us during training.

Their time, patience, and willingness to lie out on a hillside in all weathers made our success possible. We’re now ready and excited to contribute operationally to real searches.

Show your support and make a life-saving donation now

Like 1