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
Scafell Pike – Sun 5th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received an early‑morning call regarding three overdue walkers who had set out to climb Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader began initial investigations, but shortly afterwards the three walkers returned safe and well. They had underestimated how long the route would take, but required no further assistance.
Foxes Tarn, Scafell – Sat 4th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call via the iPhone Emergency SOS service regarding two walkers who had become lost near Foxes Tarn and were unable to make their way back down. The MRT Team Leader established contact through the SOS system and advised the pair to remain where they were. Fortunately, RAF Leeming MRT were already in the valley and able to assist. They deployed a party to the walkers’ location, escorted them safely off the hill, and accompanied them back to their car. Many thanks to RAF Leeming MRT for their assistance — greatly appreciated.
Scafell Pike – Sat 4th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a child who had become cold high on Scafell Pike. The family had taken shelter and were able to begin warming the child. Race organisers from a fell race taking place on the mountain were quickly on scene and provided immediate assistance. MRT deployed to support and met the family during their descent. Once at the car park, the child was checked by Ambulance staff, found to be well, and discharged. The family were then able to return to their holiday accommodation. Although it is July, conditions high on the fells can still be…
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Thu 2nd Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a male walker was struggling to descend from Scafell Pike due to a lower leg injury. An MRT member already on the hill reached the casualty first to assess the situation while the rest of the team made their way up. As additional team members arrived, the casualty began to deteriorated medically, prompting an immediate escalation and urgent evacuation plan. Coastguard Rescue assets were requested, and the casualty was rapidly transferred for onward transport to Carlisle Hospital. Many thanks to Maritime and Coastguard Agency for their swift response and assistance.
Scafell Pike – Wed 1st Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a concerned wife reporting her husband overdue from a walk on Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader spoke with her to establish the intended route, but was unable to make contact with the missing male via phone or PhoneFind links. Mispers car was located in Wasdale NT Car Park and then male made contact to confirm he was off the hill but in a different location from where expected. With him now safe and able to make onward arrangements to return to his vehicle, MRT were stood down.
Broad Crag – Tue 30th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a couple who had become lost in fog on Broad Crag. The MRT Team Leader made contact and obtained a location via PhoneFind, placing them very close to the main path. Attempts were made to talk them back onto the route and guide them towards Langdale, but both walkers were unable to manage this safely. With the team already committed to an ongoing incident, Wasdale MRT had no available members to deploy. Duddon & Furness MRT were requested to assist and deployed six members to walk the couple off the hill into Wasdale. Accommodation…