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
Netherbeck, Wasdale – Sun 16th Nov 2025
During incident 147, another call was received from Cumbria Police. A walker had slipped and sustained an ankle injury near Great Lad Crag, and could not weight bear. Resources were diverted from further up the valley and Rescue 199, already assisting with the prior incident, offered support. The helicopter was able to land on scene, and picked up the two walkers and their dog. They were flown back to the valley bottom to be received by team members. After an assessment they were transferred to their own vehicle. We hope the walker recovers quickly from his injury. Many thanks to…
Broad Stand, Scafell – Sun 16th Nov 2025
The team was called by Cumbria about two people who were crag fast on Broad Stand, unable to descend safely. A full team callout was made quickly, alongside helicopter support from Rescue 199 at Prestwick, and more support from Duddon and Furness MRT. Although R199 was initially diverted, it later returned and successfully winched both casualties from the crag. They were transferred to the valley without injury. This saved significant effort and time from the teams and rescued the walkers from their predicament much more quickly. Thanks to the helicopter crew for their help once more.
Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike – Mon 10th Nov 2025
Cumbria Police received a report from a walker who had observed flashing lights near the summit of Scafell Pike, and was concerned that they might need help. The Team Leader investigated and based on the informant’s location concluded the lights were likely a normal pattern from a group of walkers. With good phone signal in that area, they would be able to call for help themselves. After discussion with Cumbria Police, it was agreed that no action was required. No further calls were received following this. A false alarm with good intent.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Tue 4th Nov 2025
A short alert was quickly resolved after a walker was concerned for another walker and his two dogs who was the high side of Lingmell Gill which looked to be unpassable due to the heavy rainfall. However the walker was able to communicate his intentions to re-ascend to a higher elevation, cross the gill and take an alternative route down. With no assistance required, the log was closed.
Pikes Crag, Scafell Pike – Sun 2nd Nov 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker who had become lost while descending from the summit of Scafell Pike. He reported being on steep ground. Using PhoneFinds, the Team Leader was able to identify his location and guide him back to the main path. Once re-located on the path, the walker was able to make his own way down without further assistance. A good outcome.
Broadcrag Tarn, Scafell Pike – Sun 2nd Nov 2025
Cumbria Police received a call from a family member reporting that two walkers had become separated from their group while descending Scafell Pike and were now lost below Broadcrag Tarn. The Team Leader made contact and identified their location via PhoneFind. An attempt was made to talk them back up and down to Wasdale, but worsening weather conditions made this impractical. A small team was deployed and successfully escorted the pair back down to eventually re-join their family.