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
Wastwater Screes – Sat 8th Aug 2020
The team were called by a gentleman who had sustained an ankle injury. Despite extensive searching, no-one was found with an injury, and no-one the team spoke to had seen anyone who was struggling to walk. The team were then informed that he had walked out to the pump house at the other end of the lake. The team were then stood down along with the land ambulance that was making it’s way down the very crowded valley road. For more information on how to enjoy the outdoors safely please visit https://www.adventuresmart.uk/
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Thu 6th Aug 2020
The call came in for a lady that had slipped and hurt her ankle on the Brown Tongue path just below the path split for Mickledore, she could not walk as a result. Two team members were sent ahead to take control of the situation until the rest of the team arrived with first aid, stretcher and oxygen. The casualty had already taken pain killers and was in a stable condition. She was secured to the stretcher and team members carried her off the hill. The casualty and her friend then made their own way to hospital for treatment.
Scafell Pike – Wed 5th Aug 2020
2 males contacted police to say they were at the summit of Scafell Pike but didn’t know how to get down. They were uninjured. They were talked down by phone. They had no map but both had compasses, which made the Team Leader’s task much easier and also made a refreshing change from the usual no map, no compass scenario. They called in as requested once they were off the hill so the incident could be closed. www.adventuresmart.uk
Central Fells – Tue 4th Aug 2020
Langdale & Ambleside MRT Team Leader informed Wasdale MRT Team Leader that a party of six mountain bikers had been reported overdue. The intended route was to travel from Windermere to Wasdale Head via road and Fell. The informant, a family member, had been waiting at the Wasdale Head Inn for their arrival and when it became dark; Cumbria Police were called, and an overdue report was made. Supported by Langdale & Ambleside, Keswick and Duddon & Furness MRTs, investigations were made including analysis of mobile phone use, understanding what their intentions were and what type of decisions would most…
Broad Stand, Scafell – Fri 31st Jul 2020
A call came in from the police about 2 people stuck on a ‘cliff face’. The eastings and northings provided put the people by Broad Stand close to the abseil point. The team were deployed in two vehicles with 2 members making their own way by car. The crag fast people were quickly secured and made safe by the advanced party upon arrival and lowered to the second party of team members at the bottom of Broad Stand. The walkers were escorted off the hill to carry on in their own car back to the hotel in Bowness.
Criscliffe Knotts, Scafell Pike – Wed 29th Jul 2020
The team deployed to what was reported as an Ankle injury on the Corridor route near Criscliffe Knotts. As a stretcher carry from there is very difficult in any direction and there was no clear information about the extent of injuries or medical condition was available due to lack of communication with the casualty, a Coastguard Helicopter was requested. Rescue 199 was quick to respond and within 40 mins was on location. The team deployed as always, but the Rescue 199 was able to quickly deal with the incident and the casualty was flown direct to Carlisle Hospital for further…