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 Col, Scafell Pike – Thu 2nd Apr 2026
As the team were returning to base after the previous incident, NWAS contacted Wasdale MRT regarding two people stuck on the hill, reported as wet, cold, and unable to move. Direct contact with the pair was not possible, but the father of one of the missing persons provided a location placing them above Broad Crag Col. Due to the position and deteriorating conditions, Coastguard Rescue 199 was requested but was forced to turn back as it approached the Lake District from the north due to the poor weather. With further information coming in, Wasdale MRT deployed on foot. The Team…
Calf Cove, Great End – Thu 2nd Apr 2026
Cumbria Police reported two walkers lost near Calf Cove on Great End. Wasdale MRT made brief contact with them, but not enough to gather meaningful details. A location was available from their 999 call, but due to the number of possible descent routes, Keswick MRT and Langdale Ambleside MRT were requested to cover paths within their areas, all converging towards Esk Hause to maximise coverage. Both missing persons were located near Seathwaite by Keswick MRT and were able to return to their vehicle. All teams stood down, relieved at the positive outcome given the awful weather conditions on the hill.…
Eskdale – Wed 1st Apr 2026
Cumbria Police received a report of three males who had contacted the iPhone Emergency SOS messaging service stating they were lost, wet, and cold. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the SOS service, but the group had already moved from their initial location and Team Leader was unable to make direct contact. The final update received indicated they were nearly back down, no longer required MRT assistance, and sadly stated they were “never hill walking again.”
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Tue 31st Mar 2026
Cumbria Police reported five males who had become lost on Scafell Pike after taking a wrong turn. The MRT Team Leader was initially unable to make contact, and no location was available other than an approximate height. A further 999 call provided a location at Mickledore. The team eventually made contact and learned the group were attempting to walk down. They were located at Woolworth Boulder, wet and cold but with no medical issues. MRT continued up the hill to meet them and walked them safely off.
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Sun 29th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police received a report of a female walker feeling unwell and unable to continue on the main path near Hollow Stones. Another party came across her and, finding her very cold and wet, assisted her to get moving again, which improved her condition. Team Leader spoke with the casualty, who was by then feeling better and now moving, One MRT member was deployed directly to assess her. The casualty was found to have pre existing medical conditions, and the team advised that she attend hospital for a full check up.
Stand Crag, Great End – Sat 28th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police reported a couple who had become lost while descending Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route. The MRT Team Leader was unable to make contact with them and hoped they had remained close to the location provided from their 999 call. A small, limited team was deployed and located the pair near Stand Crag before walking them safely back down to their vehicle.