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
Upper Eskdale – Mon 22nd Jan 2024
On Monday evening, as the team were arriving for weekly training, an alert from Cumbria Police was received. Two walkers attempting to climb Scafell Pike had strayed into Upper Eskdale and reported themselves lost, cold and in need of help. Fortunately the police call was able to establish coordinates. Unfortunately the location was in a remote situation at the edge of our operational area. That meant a long wait for the pair as the team mobilised with a hasty party taking the shorter route from Wasdale, and others via Eskdale in case they walked downhill. Once the team were on…
Scafell Pike – Fri 19th Jan 2024
As the team were travelling to the Wasdale Head Inn last Friday for the team annual dinner, an alert was received for two walkers lost and cold on Scafell Pike. However, our friends from Duddon and Furness MRT were covering for the evening and they efficiently sorted it with the help of Rescue 199. See their post below. Huge thanks DFMRT once again They are currently fundraising for a new base so any donations would be greatly appreciated. https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/donate?cid=142595…
Broad Stand, Scafell – Sun 7th Jan 2024
Team members were relaxing and enjoying the conditions and stunning views following the good news that the walker from Incident No.7 was able to walk off the fell, when a second call was received from the police. Three people were reported to be stuck on steep and icy ground on Scafell. The coordinates from the police call confirmed that they were on Broad Stand, a black spot and very hazardous terrain for walkers, especially in winter conditions. This is a location for many serious incidents over the years. As we had team members on the fell and in the valley…
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Sun 7th Jan 2024
We were called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who was unable to walk due to pain in both thighs on the initial descent from Scafell Pike summit. He was becoming cold having stopped in the exposed terrain. Due to a possible stretcher carry a full team callout was made. Duddon and Furness MRT were also asked for availability due to slightly low numbers for a long carry off the fell. Fortunately two team members were already on the hill in different locations, but both agreed to change their plans and divert to assess the situation and see if…
Wind Gap, Pillar – Sat 6th Jan 2024
We were alerted by Cumbria Police about a paraglider who had tumbled 50m down steep scree at Wind Gap after a failed launch. He had suffered pelvis and leg injuries. Initially we asked for support from Cockermouth MRT as they can access this location more easily however shortly after agreeing to help they needed to respond to another call-out in their area. Due to the location and likelihood of serious injuries a Coastguard helicopter was also requested and Rescue 199 from Prestwick was dispatched quickly. They reached the scene and winched their paramedic to the scene to begin treatment. The…
Red Gill, Scafell – Wed 3rd Jan 2024
We have a ‘tail’ to tell with our latest callout. Cumbria Police alerted us to a report from a concerned family member. A group of two male walkers, plus a dog (Dexter) had failed to make contact from an intended walk up Scafell Pike and were overdue. Due to the weather conditions, and real potential for hypothermia, a full callout was made and additional support gained from Duddon and Furness MRT and the Lake District search dogs. No contact was able to be made by mobile phone, so we did not have any real ‘leads’ as to which areas to…