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
Broad Crag – Fri 19th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a party of six walkers reporting themselves lost. The initial 999 call placed them on the Broad Crag footpath, but the call then dropped and further attempts to reconnect were unsuccessful. The MRT Team Leader sent PhoneFind links, messages, and attempted repeated calls, but nothing was getting through. A very brief call was eventually made, during which the group stated they were now on the Corridor Route and had parked at Seathwaite. With no further contact and the group appearing to be moving and not requesting additional assistance, the situation became difficult to assess…
Scafell – Mon 15th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a group of four climbers who had reached the summit of High Man on Scafell Pinnacle but were unsure of the correct descent route. The MRT Team Leader made contact and used video and photographs sent by the climbers to identify their exact position and guide them safely onto the correct line. With remote support and clear instructions, the group were able to descend safely and walk off the hill without the need for further MRT assistance. Mountain Rescue are always happy to provide early advice and guidance to reduce or remove the need…
Scafell Pike – Sun 14th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a concerned parent reporting her daughter overdue from a walk on Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader attempted to contact the missing female but was unable to reach her, leaving her location unknown and no clear starting point for a search. The parent was travelling to the Lake District, and Keswick MRT along with Duddon & Furness MRT were brought in to assist. Car parks and likely exit points were checked while MRT and Police continued their investigations. MRT along with Duddon & Furness MRT were brought in to assist. Car parks and likely…
Illgill Head – Fri 12th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a report that a couple had become separated in foggy conditions on Illgill Head. The pair had lost sight of each other and the female eventually made her way back to their accommodation after attempting to locate him on the hill. The MRT Team Leader began investigations, but the male was out of mobile signal, preventing immediate contact. As the team were mobilising to begin a search as well as Coastguard R897, the missing male returned safe and well, and the team were stood down. Special thanks to the member of the public that stayed with the…
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Sun 7th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a female walker who had sustained a knee injury and was unable to continue her descent on the lower section of the Tourist Path. A full team response was initiated. Team members reached the casualty, assessed her condition, and determined she was unable to weight‑bear. She was stretchered a short distance back to the car park, where she was Put into husband’s car. He planned to take her to hospital for further assessment.
Eskdale – Sun 7th Jun 2026
While the team were descending from the third incident of the night, a fourth callout came from NWAS reporting a male in the River Esk. The Team Leader made further enquiries and informed Cumbria Police. Fire and NWAS crews already on scene reported that the male was now on the opposite bank of the river. Wasdale MRT were requested to support with swift water capabilities, and a full team callout was initiated. However, as the team were mobilising, it was confirmed that MRT assistance was no longer required, and the team were stood down.