Rusty Westmorland lived from 1886 - 1984 and, according to the author of this book, represents the last link with the early pioneers of Lakeland rock climbing. He was also the founder of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.
This long researched biography tracks his most memorable and distinguished life and captures the world and characters that Rusty Westmorland knew.
Born in Penrith, he explored the Lake District fells with his family and his love of climbing began following an expedition onto Helvellyn via Striding Edge. He climbed Pillar (unroped) at the age of 15 and his late teens were spent climbing. He made the first ascents of Chock Gully on Dollywaggon Pike and Westmorland’s Route on Dove Crag. He went on to climb with George and Ashley Abraham and was proposed by them for membership of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club.
In 1911, he travelled to Canada and secured a job as a chainman with a surveying party. He later joined the Canadian Army and rose to the rank of Lieutenant–Colonel, acquiring his nickname during WWI. Back in the Lakes, he went to the rescue of an injured Wilfrid Noyce on the Napes in 1946 and came up with the idea of starting a mountain rescue team – initially called Borrowdale MRT, then later Keswick MRT. He was known for his prolific climbing and walking and for his dedication to mountain rescue, for which he received the OBE.
What is not known about Rusty, is the fullness of his climbing adventures which spanned over 90 years and is revealed throughout this book. Both FRCC club archives and individual members have assisted in the extensive research undertaken.
Illustrated with a considerable number of black and white photographs.
By Francis J. Morgan-Grant.
Card cover, 23cm x 15cm, 384 pages.
Published 2023 in a limited edition of 105 copies.
ISBN: 978-0-9556989-3-4.
Any profits from this publication are being donated to The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and Cancer Research UK.