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
Langdale – Tue 23rd Sep 2025
The Team Leader received a request from Langdale Ambleside MRT regarding a possible search for an overdue walker. The team was placed on standby while initial investigations were carried out. Thankfully, the missing individual was later located safe and well in another valley with no deployment required. A good outcome.
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Sun 21st Sep 2025
During callout 128, a passing walker reported another walker struggling to descend from the Hollow Stones area after rolling her ankle. Three MRT members already deployed on the hill were diverted to assess. On arrival, the casualty reported a painful ankle after ‘rolling’ it on the descent. Some pain relief was administered, and after assessment, she opted to continue walking. She made slow but steady progress downhill under supervision, and eventually made it safely down to the valley floor. We hope she recovers quickly from the injury.
Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike – Sun 21st Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team MRT about a male walker near the summit of Scafell Pike, reportedly unable to continue due to cramp. A PhoneFind was successful to obtain an accurate location, and the party began to descend with improving progress. Five team members deployed from Brackenclose and met the walker approximately 200m above the stream crossing. He was assessed and encouraged to continue walking. A stretcher party was on standby at Brackenclose in case the situation worsened, which happily it did not. During the response, three additional team members were dispatched to investigate a separate report of another walker…
Hardknott Pass – Sun 21st Sep 2025
The team was called by North West Ambulance Service regarding a cyclist who had come off his bike while descending Hardknott Pass, reportedly sustaining head injuries. A local team member was deployed quickly to assess. The cyclist was found standing and in a location accessible to ambulance services. As such the team was stood down as no further assistance was needed. We hope the cyclist has recovered quickly.
Black Sail Pass – Thu 11th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding a walker with a suspected broken ankle just beyond the top of Black Sail Pass. Her son made the call from Wasdale Head Inn and remained there to guide team members to the location. The walker was located approximately 100m beyond the col, assessed, and treated with splinting and pain relief. She was stretchered down to Wasdale Head Inn, where her husband met her for onward transport to hospital and further treatment. We wish the walker a very swift recovery from her injury. And hope she is back on the fells soon.
Low Adam Crag, Wast Water Screes – Wed 10th Sep 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers stuck on a rocky and slippery route on the Screes. They were concerned for their safety. PhoneFind was initiated and confirmed their location near Low Adam Crag. After reassurance and guidance from the Team Leader, the pair continued safely to Wasdale Head, with no team deployment required.