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
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Sat 28th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a walker who had slipped while descending Scafell Pike and dislocated his shoulder near the top of Jenny’s Path. A full team response was deployed. The casualty was treated on scene, packaged in a cas bag, and stretchered down using the Titan stretcher to the car park, where Helimed 08 was waiting to transfer him to hospital. Many thanks to @North West Air Ambulance Charity (Helimed 08) for attending and supporting the rescue.
Great Gable – Fri 20th Mar 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from concerned friends regarding two overdue walkers who had not returned to their holiday cottage. The MRT Team Leader began investigating and established that the most likely location was within a neighbouring team’s area. After discussion with Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, the incident was handed over to them. It was quickly resolved when the walkers returned to their car safe and well.
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.