Four climbers had to be rescued from England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, when they got stranded after taking cannabis.

Cumbria Police said officers were rendered speechless after the group called in to report they were unable to walk down the mountain, in the Lake District, "due to cannabis use".

"Persons phoning Cumbria Police because they are stuck on a mountain, after taking cannabis," Cumbria Police posted on social media.

"Now having to deploy M'tain Rescue, Air support and Ambulance to rescue them. Words fail us ....."

"Persons rescued by MRT, after becoming incapable of walking off mountain due to cannabis use," a later post said.


"MRT volunteers putting themselves at risk to prevent harm."

The first post got nearly 1,000 comments and 2,000 likes on Facebook, with most users suggesting the four climbers should foot the bill for wasting public funds.

"Disgusting should make them pay for the services going out," one user wrote.

"Give them the bill. Can afford drugs then they can afford to pay," wrote another.

Scafell Pike is England's highest peak, rising to 3,209 feet right at the heart of the Lake District.

Superintendent Justin Bibby said: "Never underestimate the mountains. Mountain safety is your responsibility."

"Carry the right equipment and food and know how to use it. Our priority is your safety. The Wasdale mountain rescue team had a particularly busy day yesterday dealing with this and other incidents," he added.

"They are volunteers, they do an amazing job and they are always there to assist those who get into difficulty.

"Taking alcohol or any other substance that could impair your judgement significantly increases your risk of getting into trouble; it has no place on a mountain."