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 – Thu 2nd Oct 2025
A brief alert from Cumbria Police when a walker at Green Gable reported that his walking partner was overdue returning from a planned detour up to Great Gable. He was concerned for his safety. After brief contact and clarification, it was confirmed that his friend had been back in touch and that no assistance was required.
Gavel Neese, Great Gable – Thu 2nd Oct 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the Team Leader regarding a group of four walkers lost while descending from Scafell Pike. The Team Leader investigated and determined via that they were close to Gavel Neese. She provided guidance, and the group successfully navigated back to their vehicle just after 4am, after which the log was closed.
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Tue 30th Sep 2025
The team was called on Tuesday evening by North West Ambulance Service regarding a male walker who was unable to continue his descent from Scafell Pike due to exhaustion and cramp, and possibly also taken some minor falls. The initial location was close to the summit with significant wind chill. His friend had descended to find help. A full team callout was made but with the now lone and inexperienced walker possibly on the move in misty conditions there was a risk of a wrong turn. However, he was found by ascending team members on the main tourist path on…
Scafell – Sat 27th Sep 2025
The team was called last Saturday about a walker who had taken a long tumble fall on steep and dangerous ground whilst trying to scramble towards Lords Rake. He was reported to have multiple injuries and in significant pain. A full team callout was initiated and Helimed 08 self-tasked to see if they could help. However, they were unable to access the walker safely. As the exact location became clearer a Coastguard helicopter with winching capability was requested and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon was dispatched. With numbers a little low due to many team members unavailable at an annual team…
Dent Fell – Fri 26th Sep 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police regarding a walker who had become lost on the Coast to Coast route. The call came in via a roaming signal, preventing initial location tracking. A follow-up message from the iPhone emergency centre placed her between Flat Fell and Dent. Upon contact, she confirmed she had navigated back to a known location herself. No injuries reported and no team deployment required.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Fri 26th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the Team Leader via the iPhone SOS emergency service regarding two walkers lost whilst descending from Scafell Pike. Although their location was identified, it was not possible to make direct contact. The iPhone emergency centre was asked to guide them back onto the path. The pair later encountered a member of the public who assisted them down safely. No injuries reported and no team deployment was required.