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
Seatallan – Tue 7th Nov 2023
A call from Cumbria Police was passed across from Cockermouth MRT as on investigation it was likely to be in our area. A walker had heard shouts, whistles and dogs barking. The Team Leader asked a team member to further investigate whether it could be people and trail hounds on the fell. This was confirmed to be very likely the case when they were met coming off the fell at Nether Beck, and the log closed. A false alarm with good intent.
Beck Head, Great Gable – Sun 5th Nov 2023
As incident No.156 was concluding, a further call was received from Cumbria Police regarding a male walker who had fallen and injured his ankle. He was unable to weight bear. As the access to Beck Head is quicker and safer for a stretcher carry from the other side, the Team Leader asked for help from Cockermouth MRT. They were kindly able to help and so the tasking was transferred across. They subsequently successfully completed the rescue via stretcher to Honister. Many thanks to them for their help on what was a very busy weekend for WMRT.
Great End – Sat 4th Nov 2023
In the third request for our help on Saturday evening, a call was received from Cumbria Police. Walkers who were wild camping in Upper Eskdale had heard shouts for help indicating that someone was lost. Unfortunately the mobile signal was very poor and the informant was not able to be called back for further information, despite many attempts. With a vast area to search and no indication of location it was agreed with the police to review and attempt to contact the informant again in the morning. At 08:45 the following morning, the police received another call saying that different…
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Sat 4th Nov 2023
A second call was received from the police, this time about two walkers who were lost in the mist. They were both cold and felt unable to move, with any spare clothing already wet. A location was obtained from the call made to the police. As the team was already mobilised, some of the team members diverted to this higher location, leaving enough team members for a stretcher carry for the first callout should it be needed. On reaching the pair, the team assessed and then escorted them back down to the Wasdale Head Inn, from where family members picked…
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Sat 4th Nov 2023
In the first of three calls in quick succession, we received a call about a walker who had fallen, sustained a knee injury and was unable to bear weight. A full callout was made with an advance party setting off quickly with warm clothing and shelter. After assessment, it was mutually decided to attempt a slow walk with team members encouraging and supporting closely. Fortunately the walker was able to complete the descent himself to Brackenclose, from where he was given a lift to his car at Wasdale Head. We wish him well for a swift recovery.
Piers Gill, Scafell Pike – Thu 2nd Nov 2023
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had been separated from her walking group, taken a wrong turn on Lingmell Col, and was concerned for her safety having come down the Piers Gill path. The mobile signal was poor but fortunately the police call handler was able to eventually establish an exact location. A callout was made as a ‘talk off’ from that location with significant hazards is too risky. However, as one team party was preparing to depart from Burnthwaite Farm, the walker appeared before them safe and well. After reuniting her with her…