Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has been assisting people in the western fells of the Lake District for over 50 years. We cover England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and respond to over one hundred calls for help each year. The team consists of approximately forty ‘professional volunteers’ who give their time to help those in need, whatever the weather, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information please read our about page. We rely on generous donations from the public to fund the team. Once a year, we recruit a new intake of probationary members.
Recent Rescues
Scafell – Sat 30th Nov 2024
The Team Leader was alerted very early this morning about a lone walker who was in need of assistance. He was camping close to the summit of ScaFell when strong winds destroyed his tent. He was cold, disorientated and needed some guidance to descend to safety. The Team Leader was able to make contact by phone and gave directions to Wasdale. Regular Phonefinds were made to monitor his progress safely down to the valley floor, after which the Team Leader stood down and closed the log. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you…
Wastwater Screes – Sat 16th Nov 2024
Whilst incident 159 was ongoing a further call for help was received. Two walkers and their dog had lost their route on the Screes and were struggling to make progress. Their dog was also being carried at this point, making it particularly hazardous across the boulder fields. Additional team members were called out to help. A foot party made their way to scene with a boat party being organised to follow. Once on scene it was confirmed there were no injuries but were cold and wet. All members of the party, including the now rested 20kg Labrador were content to…
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Sat 16th Nov 2024
A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who had slipped, injured his ankle and was unable to bear any weight. The team was called out and made their way to the scene. On arrival the walker had continued to make progress downhill by hopping supported by his walking poles. However there was still approximately 400m to descend and so it was decided that the best course of action was to stretcher off. The ankle was splinted and the routine stretcher carry was made to Brackenclose. The walker’s friends took him to hospital for further assessment. We wish…
Hardknott Pass – Sat 16th Nov 2024
A call was received from Cumbria Police from a person at a campsite in Eskdale. A member of their family had not been heard from for some time after their car had come off the road on Hardknott Pass at 10pm the previous evening. The driver was an experienced walker and well prepared for camping but concern grew when he could not be contacted. The Team Leader asked a local team member to investigate but shortly afterwards the police managed to make contact. The driver was safe and well and the team was not needed to assist so the log…
Scafell Pike – Sat 9th Nov 2024
A call was received from Cumbria Police about two walkers who had mis-navigated on the descent from Scafell Pike. Our friends from Duddon and Furness MRT had agreed to cover the patch as many members of the team were attending the happy event of the wedding of our Medical Officer and our IT Officer. They successfully resolved the incident and were back at their base for the early evening. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT once again, and huge congratulations to Lucy and Paul.
Cross Fell – Wed 6th Nov 2024
The team was asked to support Penrith MRT in an escalating search from the previous night. Happily, the walker was found well before WMRT deployment onto the fell in the Pennines. A great outcome.