THE family of a ‘talented artist, poet, woodworker and committed politician’ who died following a tragic fall whilst scrambling alone on the Langdale fells have paid tribute to his life.
Westmorland and Furness Green Party candidate Simon Philip Clayton fell to his death from West Ridge in the late afternoon of March 11 (Tuesday) after a day scrambling alone on the Pike O’Stickle.
Langdale MRT searched likely areas with binoculars and a drone before a Coastguard helicopter located Phil’s body in a gully high on the side of the crag.
Team members were then airlifted to the site along with the winchman, who were able to recover Phil’s body from the valley before transporting him to Ambleside.
Paying tribute to his life, Phil’s family said: “Fully embracing his retirement with verve and energy of a 30-year-old, Phil had been continuing his life-long love of climbing by planning and training for an attempt at the Cullin Ridge Traverse in 2025.
“On the day of his death, Phil was dressed and equipped appropriately, was fit and well, and the weather and conditions were favourable.
“He fully understood the risks he took by climbing solo, and was driven by eternal optimism and passion for fell and rock, balanced with his love of his family and life.
“In retirement Phil had also been proving himself a talented artist, poet, woodworker and committed politician: standing as Candidate for the Westmorland Green Party in the 2024 local elections, driven by a strong desire for social justice.
“He was a longstanding and active member of the Kendal Mountaineering Club, Kendal Fell Walkers and Lakeland Canoe Club.
“Words cannot describe the sense of loss and shock at Phil’s absence. He was loved as a father, son, brother, partner and friend. He will be missed always.”
Yesterday, a spokesperson from the Kendal Green Party said Phil was ‘committed, principled, energetic, focussed and funny’.
READ MORE: ‘Committed’ Green Party candidate dies after falling on Langdale fells
A wake in memory of Phil will be held with details announced in due course.