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
West Cumbria – Sun 3rd Dec 2023
A request was received from Cumbria Police to provide 4×4 vehicles to enable essential care visits in the Winter conditions following the heavy snowfall and subsequent icy conditions. However, it was established that the request was not for immediate deployment, so the team was stood down with a commitment to respond if required in the future.
Scafell Pike – Sun 3rd Dec 2023
A call was received from Cumbria Police from a concerned relative. A party of four well equipped walkers had planned to camp on the fells after an ascent of Scafell Pike. After the heavy snowfall in the county, none of the walkers were able to be contacted. However as further information was being gathered, the police made contact again to confirm contact has been made with the party and all was well. Mobile phone signal would not have been available at their camping location overnight, but appeared as they descended. A good outcome.
Cumbria – Sat 2nd Dec 2023
The team supported the multi-agency response to the recent snow event in Cumbria. Three 4×4 vehicles were tasked to RV at Grizebeck and assist Cumbria Police to search abandoned vehicles. After a long night in difficult conditions all team members returned safely back to base.
Gosforth – Sat 2nd Dec 2023
The arrival of snow in Gosforth last Saturday resulted in traffic unable to get up the hill which then caused an increasing number of motorists stuck in deteriorating conditions. Cumbria Police called us, knowing that the base could possibly be used for welfare should the situation become prolonged and the weather worsen. Some local team members were able to walk to base and open up. However, a short while later the road was able to be gritted with the help of a local farmer and the traffic got moving again. The team closed up the base and stood down.
Upper Eskdale – Mon 27th Nov 2023
The team was asked to take a callout for @wasdalemrt last night as they were holding their AGM. Team members went to the aid of two well-equipped, experienced hillwalkers who were lost on the descent into Mosedale. Well done search dog Roxy (and her human, Tom) on her first locate. ************************** The team are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and have been since 1962. We cover an area of approximately 655km², are all unpaid volunteers, and as a charity we rely on donations to provide the service we do. If you can, please consider supporting…
Scafell – Sun 26th Nov 2023
A call was received yesterday evening from Cumbria Police. A walker had posted on his social media that he was lost on Scafell. A concerned family member had seen this, then contacted the police who in turn asked for our help. However, happily, shortly afterwards it was confirmed that the walker has successfully made his own way off the fell and the Team Leader stood down. A good reminder that if you do need help on the fell – call 999, ask for the police, and then for Mountain Rescue. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself…