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
Slight Side, Scafell – Sat 21st Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported two lost walkers who were wet, cold, and at a height where the temperature and wind chill were significantly lower. The MRT Team Leader made contact and encouraged them to keep moving as visibility deteriorated into the evening. A limited team was deployed and located both walkers low down, where they were warmed up and walked back to team vehicles. They were then taken to a local pub to arrange a taxi back to their car in Wasdale. A big thank you to SIMS Travel for their assistance. #simstravel
Angle Tarn – Thu 19th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police received a dropped call from two individuals stating they were lost, but no location details or call back number were provided. With only limited information available, the MRT Team Leader investigated and identified Angle Tarn as the most likely location, which falls within Langdale Ambleside MRT’s operational area. After discussion with Langdale, the incident was handed over to them.
Scafell – Tue 17th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported four male young walkers who were lost and stuck on icy ground on Scafell, they were meant to be on Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the group and was able to talk them safely back down to their vehicle without requiring a team deployment onto the hill.
Stony Tarn, Eskdale – Mon 16th Feb 2026
While Incident 12 was still ongoing, Cumbria Police reported three further missing persons believed to be lost near Stony Tarn. Initial confusion suggested the possibility of a single combined incident, but it was soon confirmed that this was a separate job. The Team Leader managed to speak with friends of the group and eventually one of the missing individuals. A team was deployed to their location, where all three were found safe. They were walked off the hill and reunited with their friends.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Mon 16th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police received an Emergency SOS text via HM Coastguard reporting four young walkers lost and stuck on the Corridor Route. The MRT Team Leader attempted to make direct contact, but neither calls nor PhoneFind attempts were successful. Police were also experiencing IT issues, limiting information flow. A small MRT team was deployed to the last known location. All four were located, cold but otherwise uninjured, warmed up, and walked safely off the hill. They were returned to their vehicle, where they planned to rest before driving home.
Styhead Gill – Mon 16th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a reported ankle injury near Styhead. After investigation, the Team Leader confirmed that the incident location fell within Keswick MRT’s operational area. The job was passed over to Keswick MRT, and no further action was required from Wasdale.