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
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Sun 7th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a female walker who had sustained a knee injury and was unable to continue her descent on the lower section of the Tourist Path. A full team response was initiated. Team members reached the casualty, assessed her condition, and determined she was unable to weight‑bear. She was stretchered a short distance back to the car park, where she was Put into husband’s car. He planned to take her to hospital for further assessment.
Eskdale – Sun 7th Jun 2026
While the team were descending from the third incident of the night, a fourth callout came from NWAS reporting a male in the River Esk. The Team Leader made further enquiries and informed Cumbria Police. Fire and NWAS crews already on scene reported that the male was now on the opposite bank of the river. Wasdale MRT were requested to support with swift water capabilities, and a full team callout was initiated. However, as the team were mobilising, it was confirmed that MRT assistance was no longer required, and the team were stood down.
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Sat 6th Jun 2026
As the team were settling for the evening, the third callout of the day came from Cumbria Police. A male walker had gone over on his ankle, heard a crack, and was unable to weight‑bear despite attempting to self‑rescue. He was accompanied by his young son, and the pair were carrying a significant amount of wild‑camping equipment, making self‑evacuation impossible. Due to low team numbers, Duddon & Furness MRT were requested to assist, and Coastguard Rescue 912 (Humberside) was also tasked. However, deteriorating weather prevented R912 from reaching the scene. MRT members reached the casualty, provided treatment, and packaged him…
Scafell Pike – Sat 6th Jun 2026
As Incident 61 was concluding, Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a female walker who had become unwell and unable to continue her descent from Scafell Pike. With Rescue 897 (Coastguard) already operating in the area, they offered assistance. Due to low team numbers, Duddon & Furness MRT were also requested. Rescue 897 attempted to reach the casualty but were unable to get on scene due to low cloud, instead uplifting MRT personnel as high as conditions allowed. Team members reached the casualty, provided treatment, and stretchered her down to a point where Rescue 897 could safely land. She was…
Napes, Great Gable – Sat 6th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a 999 call from a race marshal reporting that a fell runner had sustained a significant shin injury with heavy bleeding during an organised event. The casualty was also described as feeling faint, prompting an immediate response. Wasdale MRT deployed alongside Coastguard Rescue 897 (Carlisle). Coastguard arrived first on scene and deployed a winch paramedic to assess and treat the runner. After initial treatment, the casualty was able to walk down to meet MRT members ascending the hill. The runner was then transported to Wasdale Head, where he was handed over to the race organisers for further…
Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike – Wed 3rd Jun 2026
This was the third incident of the day. Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding Three male walkers who had reported themselves lost and stuck near the summit of Scafell Pike in thick fog. The MRT Team Leader obtained an initial PhoneFind location showing them just off the summit path. They were instructed to move approximately 50 metres back onto the main path and continue pressing the PhoneFind link. Communication was lost for a period, but once contact was re‑established the pair confirmed they had met another walker who was able to guide them safely back down off the hill. No…