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
Calf Cove, Great End – Fri 25th Jul 2025
We were called on Friday evening about two walkers who were concerned for their safety after getting wet and cold. They were high up near Great End. The Team Leader made contact and established that they were intending to camp, and were well prepared to recover their situation. After discussing the options, the walkers were reassured and were able to use their resources to rewarm themselves, with no callout required for the team.
Great Gable – Fri 25th Jul 2025
A call was received about a walker who had tripped and hit her knee, and then was feeling dizzy and confused. The Team Leader was able to talk to the informant, and the better news was received that the walker had recovered, and that this appeared to be a faint. A limited callout was made as a precaution and the team made their way up the valley to meet the group and to assess the walker. Happily, all was well with the medical assessment, and so they then returned to base.
Overbeck, Wasdale – Thu 24th Jul 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a young walker who had fallen, hitting her head and resulting in a large lump and cut. The team was quickly mobilised, with Helimed 58 also responding immediately. As usual, aviation fuel was quicker than foot power, and fortunately the helicopter this time was able to land very close to the scene. After assessment, the walker was airlifted to hospital for further care, with team members meeting up with the rest of the walking party on their way out of the valley. We hope the walker makes a full recovery and is…
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Mon 21st Jul 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had taken a tumble fall high on Scafell Pike. He had suffered a cut to his head, but had been bandaged up by passing well-prepared walkers. The walker had continued to descend, but then felt very tired and light headed, and had come to a stop at Hollow Stones. The team was called out and made their way up the valley. As team members started to ascend, the better news was received that the walker had recovered enough to start to descend again, with assistance from the other…
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Sun 20th Jul 2025
A call was received from the North West Ambulance Service about a walker who had fallen, suffering head and facial injuries. Passing walkers had called it in and were supporting him. A full callout was quickly initiated, and team members made their way to the scene. On arrival, shelter, warm clothing, and a full medical assessment were provided. Multiple injuries had been sustained due to a fall at pace on a steep downhill section of the path. The walker was placed into a vacuum mattress (full-body splint) and then into the team stretcher. On arrival at Brackenclose, a handover to…
Scafell Pike – Wed 16th Jul 2025
A call was received from Cumbria Police from a family member concerned about an overdue walker on Scafell Pike. Thankfully, shortly afterwards, contact was able to be made, confirming that all was well, and that no team response was required. A good outcome.