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
Ritson’s Force, Wasdale Head – Wed 18th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a Wasdale team member who was already out on the hill, reporting a female who had slipped and sustained an ankle injury near Ritson Force. The team was deployed, treated the casualty, and stretchered her down to the Wasdale Head Inn. She was transferred to the comfort of the hotel while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. Many thanks to the The Wasdale Head Inn for allowing the casualty to wait inside and for the refreshments provided to both her and team members.
Stand Crag, Great End – Fri 13th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police reported two lost walkers near Stand Crag, with limited information available due to poor mobile reception. The MRT Team Leader attempted to contact the pair, who were eventually able to provide a What3Words location to Police. A limited team was deployed to the area, located both walkers, and walked them safely off the hill before returning them to their vehicle.
Upper Eskdale – Sun 8th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police raised concerns for an overdue walker last seen near the summit of Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader gathered information from those who had reported him overdue, and hasty searches were initiated in the Scafell Pike main path’s & Upper Eskdale area, thermal drone also used to help search. The walker was located near Taw House, safe and well. He was transported to a local pub for an overnight stay. Many thanks to Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team for being on standby in case we needed to escalate.
Stand Crag, Great End – Sat 7th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police reported two people stuck near Stand Crag. Police reported poor signal and unable to get all the details, MRT Team Leader was also unable to make contact due to a lack of mobile phone signal, so a limited team was deployed to investigate. Both individuals were located, warmed up, and walked safely back down to Wasdale Head.
Scafell Pike – Tue 3rd Mar 2026
Cumbria Police reported two males who had become lost on Scafell Pike after running out of daylight. The MRT Team Leader made contact, established their location, and confirmed they were in the wrong valley. A local walker who regularly helps the team when out on the hill came across the pair and was willing to walk them safely down to the Wasdale Head Inn, where they secured a room for the night. Conditions on the hill were below freezing, adding to the seriousness of their situation. Many thanks to the Wasdale Head Inn for their assistance & the local walker.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Thu 26th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported four males who had climbed Scafell Pike but were unable to re‑cross the stream on their descent due to high water levels. The MRT Team Leader attempted to guide them to a safer crossing point higher upstream, but this was unsuccessful. A team was deployed, assisted all four across the swollen beck, provided warmth and reassurance, and walked them safely back down to their vehicles.