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
Scafell – Tue 14th Jul 2026
As Incident 87 was concluding, Cumbria Police received a call about two exhausted males who were out of water and unable to continue. With the team already fatigued from multiple incidents, the MRT Team Leader requested assistance from Coastguard Rescue 897. Rescue 897 attended and lifted both walkers off the hill, allowing MRT members to avoid another ascent on foot. The pair were flown to the valley floor, discharged, and taken to the Wasdale Head Inn to await a taxi back to their car in Eskdale. Many thanks to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (R897) for dealing with this incident, and…
Netherbeck, Wasdale – Tue 14th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a male who had injured his knee while ghyll scrambling. His friends had managed to get him out of the water but he was unable to weight‑bear. MRT deployed to the location, assessed the casualty, and stretchered him down to the roadside, where he was handed over to friends for onward transport to hospital.
Broad Stand, Scafell – Tue 14th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a report from a 2 members of the public stating that a male had fallen approximately 30 metres from Broad Stand. The passer‑by’s were unable to reach the casualty due to the terrain & needed to have phone signal for speaking with MRT, but two climbers were able to descend and provide initial assistance. Helimed 58 and Coastguard Rescue 897 attended swiftly. Coastguard winched the casualty into the aircraft and landed next to H58, where doctors carried out further medical procedures due to his critical condition before transferring him to H58 for rapid transport to Royal Preston…
Great Gable – Sun 12th Jul 2026
While the team were concluding Incident 84, Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a female walker had fallen and twisted her ankle on Great Gable. As Wasdale, Cockermouth, and Duddon & Furness MRT were already on the hill, all three teams were able to deploy immediately to this second incident. Cockermouth MRT were first on scene and carried out the initial assessment. Coastguard Rescue 897 (Carlisle) was requested, and once on scene they landed, treated the casualty, and transported her — along with team members — back to Wasdale Base. Coastguard Rescue 897 also assisted by returning additional personnel…
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Sun 12th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a female walker had fallen on the Corridor Route and was suspected to have fractured her kneecap. The MRT Assistant Team Leader made contact and deployed the team. Cockermouth MRT, who were already training in the area, were requested to assist and were able to respond immediately. Due to a shortage of WMRT members, Duddon & Furness MRT were also asked to support. The casualty later reported tingling in her foot, prompting a request for Coastguard assistance. Coastguard helicopter (Rescue 199) was diverted to another incident, so Helimed 58 was deployed instead. H58…
Straight Gill, Lingmell – Fri 10th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from four walkers who were stuck and reported lost near Lingmell Crag. The MRT Team Leader spoke with the group, who confirmed their intention had been to climb Scafell Pike. One member of the party was described as tired, and another had been experiencing sickness and signs of dehydration, making further progress difficult. A limited team was deployed to assist. During the response, the group managed to make some progress off the hill. MRT met them on their descent, provided food, water, and support, and accompanied them safely back to their vehicle.