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
Burnmoor Tarn – Sat 9th Aug 2025
A call was received from Cumbria Police last night about a lone walker who was exhausted and starting to fall around on steep ground, about half way down from Scafell summit. He had been carrying his 35 kg Husky, Prince, since the summit of Slight Side after a long day on the fells. Prince had cut his paws and could not continue. When his owner finally realised that he would not make it down to the valley floor without hurting either himself or Prince, he wisely called for help. The Team Leader called the team out and they made their…
Scafell Pike – Thu 7th Aug 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team after a couple became separated during their walk on Scafell Pike. One had returned to the car, but the other walker could not be found and was unreachable by mobile phone. However, as investigation was ongoing the missing individual returned safe and well. The team was stood down without deployment.
Scafell Pike – Fri 1st Aug 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team after a parent became concerned that their son had not returned made contact as expected from a wild camping trip on Scafell Pike. The Team Leader liaised with police to initiate an investigation. Thankfully, during the process, the missing walker phoned to confirm he was safe and well. The team was stood down with no further action required.
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Thu 31st Jul 2025
A call from Cumbria Police was received regarding a male with a twisted ankle at Hollow Stones. The Team Leader made contact and confirmed the casualty was able to descend slowly with self-administered pain relief. A passer-by kindly loaned walking poles, and the walker’s location was tracked every 30 minutes via PhoneFind. No team deployment was required on this occasion, and we hope the ankle recovers quickly. Team leader tracked progress every 30 minutes with the male clicking the link to show his progress. Male successfully made it down without the need for MRT.
Broad Stand, Scafell – Mon 28th Jul 2025
The hundredth 999 call of the year was received from Cumbria Police on Monday (on the same date as last year!). Thankfully this was swiftly resolved without a need for ‘boots on the ground’. A walker on Scafell Pike was very concerned for the safety of another walker who was descending on Broad Stand, apparently ill-equipped for a descent to Mickledore. About 30 minutes later, the walker seemed to have realised his error and had successfully scrambled back towards Scafell summit. The Team Leader was relieved to hear this, and stood the team down.
Great Gable – Sat 26th Jul 2025
The third call of Saturday afternoon was from North West Ambulance Service. A walker had taken a tumble fall on Great Gable when descending towards Beck Head. She had sustained facial injuries. As many team members were already committed to a long stretcher carry from the Corridor Route, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was asked to take ownership. They duly obliged and dispatched team members from Honister Pass. Two Wasdale MRT team members ascended from Gavel Neese and supported the initial assessment. Thankfully, the walker was not seriously injured and was able to scramble down herself with the support of a…