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
Black Sail Pass – Thu 11th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding a walker with a suspected broken ankle just beyond the top of Black Sail Pass. Her son made the call from Wasdale Head Inn and remained there to guide team members to the location. The walker was located approximately 100m beyond the col, assessed, and treated with splinting and pain relief. She was stretchered down to Wasdale Head Inn, where her husband met her for onward transport to hospital and further treatment. We wish the walker a very swift recovery from her injury. And hope she is back on the fells soon.
Low Adam Crag, Wast Water Screes – Wed 10th Sep 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police regarding two walkers stuck on a rocky and slippery route on the Screes. They were concerned for their safety. PhoneFind was initiated and confirmed their location near Low Adam Crag. After reassurance and guidance from the Team Leader, the pair continued safely to Wasdale Head, with no team deployment required.
Scafell Pike – Sat 6th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police raised an alert to the Team Leader for overdue walkers on Scafell Pike. Whilst he began investigating, contact was made with the party, who confirmed they were now off the fell and making their way home. No team deployment was required.
Greencove Wyke, Scafell – Sat 6th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the Team Leader regarding two walkers who were reporting themselves crag fast on steep ground on the Greencove Wyke side of Scafell. Initial contact by mobile phone was attempted but was unsuccessful, so a full team callout was made. A Coastguard helicopter was also requested, and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon responded. Additional support was also requested from Duddon and Furness MRT due to slightly low numbers. As the teams prepared to deploy with rope rescue equipment, the helicopter was able to located the pair and winch them to safety. They then transferred them to Brackenclose to meet…
Dore Head, Yewbarrow – Thu 4th Sep 2025
Cumbria Police reported a male walker lost and separated from his friend near Dore Head. The Team Leader was unable to make contact, so team members were deployed to search all routes to the last known location. Both individuals were found relatively quickly and walked off the hill without incident. It was also a good chance to give our thermal imaging equipment a workout in real conditions.
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Mon 1st Sep 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding three walkers who were lost and stuck on Scafell Pike at Mickledore. The Team Leader attempted to talk them off the hill, but they were unable to move. The group sheltered in the stretcher box while waiting for team members to arrive. Once located and checked over, all three walked off the hill safely back down to the valley floor.