On Call in the Dales: Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team Training Through Reeth
While out and about in Reeth today, I caught sight of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team making their way through the village as part of a blue light training exercise. It’s always a striking moment when you see their Land Rover come into view — those bright orange and yellow markings set against the quiet backdrop of the Dales are both a reassuring and sobering sight.
These volunteers are the backbone of emergency response in this part of the world. From injured walkers high on the moors to missing persons in deep winter, the Swaledale MRT are often the first to respond — highly trained, incredibly resourceful, and always ready. Seeing them out on training runs like this is a reminder of the constant preparation that goes into ensuring they can act quickly and effectively when the call comes.
The photograph I took shows the team weaving through the narrow road beside the stone bridge in Reeth, surrounded by the lush green of early summer. It’s easy to romanticise the scenery — and with good reason — but it also highlights the challenging terrain and remote locations the team are often called into. Access is rarely easy, and it’s vehicles like these, and the expertise behind them, that make all the difference in a rescue situation.
Living and working here as a photographer, I often witness the quiet strength of our rural communities — and the work of teams like Swaledale MRT is a perfect example. They train hard, work late, and do it all voluntarily. If you’re ever walking in the Dales, or just passing through, it’s worth sparing a moment to appreciate the people who help keep this wild and beautiful landscape safe.
If you’re interested in supporting their work, you can find out more at swaledalemrt.org.uk.
