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
Great Gable – Wed 23rd Apr 2025
A bit of a catch up on call-outs coming, after a reasonably quiet period came to an abrupt end with a flurry of call-outs recently. This was an alert from Cockermouth MRT when a walker intending to summit Red Pike (Wasdale) was reported overdue. A team member checked out Overbeck car park to look for the vehicle, which wasn’t there. Eventually Cockermouth MRT made contact with the walker around the Green Gable area, on his way back to Seathwaite. A good outcome.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Sun 20th Apr 2025
A late night call from Cumbria Police about an inexperienced walker who had become separated from his group. He had mis-navigated and ended up on some steep ground below the Corridor Route. After some difficulties in making contact directly, an accurate location was determined. As the walker was uninjured, a small party was tasked to located and then escort the walker off the fell, after which he was re-united with the rest of his group. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2.…
Great Gable – Sun 20th Apr 2025
Three separate calls were made to Cumbria Police yesterday after hearing shouts in the White Napes area of Great Gable. However, after assessing all of the information and consulting with the informants and Cumbria Police it was decided that there was insufficient evidence of an ongoing need for MR assistance. It was likely that the situation had resolved or it was a false alarm with good intent. The log was kept open in case of further information but none was forthcoming.
Greathall Gill, Wasdale – Sun 20th Apr 2025
A call was received yesterday from Cumbria Police about a walker in a family group who had fallen on steep ground, suffering a leg injury that made it impossible for her to continue. The team was called out and made their way to the scene. After a medical assessment and splinting of the leg, the walker was transferred into the team stretcher. The short descent was completed safely and the walker transferred to their own vehicle for onward transfer to hospital. We hope the walker recovers quickly and is back on the fells soon.
Calf Cove, Great End – Fri 18th Apr 2025
North West Ambulance Service alerted the Team Leader to a walker who had possibly injured his leg high on the Scafell Massif. Communications directly with the party involved were not possible and it was unclear as to whether the walker was still walking and the severity of the problem. Eventually a location was determined to be at Calf Cove, Great End. This was in Keswick MRT’s area and so the callout was handed over. Keswick MRT then called Cockermouth for help with a possible stretcher carry, so 3 teams involved. After some time, they were stood down when a message…
Piers Gill, Scafell Pike – Mon 14th Apr 2025
A call was received on Monday evening regarding two walkers who had taken a wrong turn on their descent from Scafell Pike heading for Brackenclose. Recognising some dangerous ground near to Piers Gill and unsure of their location they wisely called for help. An accurate Phonefind put them near Lingmell crags on the West side of Piers Gill. As there is no safe descent alongside this side of the gill, the Team Leader was able to direct them back up to Lingmell Col to regain the main tourist path. Once on the path, the walkers were able to make their…