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
Wind Gap, Pillar – Sun 10th May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a male who had fallen and sustained an ankle injury. The call was made via the iPhone Emergency SOS system, providing accurate information and a location placing the pair below Wind Gap on Pillar. Team members were deployed to the area, and due to the remote location the Team Leader requested Coastguard assistance. Rescue 199 (Prestwick) attended and winched the casualty from the scene for onward transport. The casualty’s partner was walked off the hill by team members and returned safely to her vehicle. Congratulations were also offered to the partner for completing all…
Miterdale – Tue 5th May 2026
Cumbria Police requested assistance in the search for a missing person in the Miterdale area. Wasdale MRT deployed a full team response, including Search Dog Jess and her handler, who carried out searches of dense woodland. Team members and vehicles conducted further checks of forest tracks and surrounding areas. Additional drones equipped with thermal imaging were requested to support the search effort. The missing person was found safe in the forest before being supported by team members and then Cumbria police officers.
Sty Head – Sun 3rd May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a walker who had become lost in mist on The Band above Styhead. The Team Leader established phone contact, reassured the walker, and provided guidance to help them relocate the main path. Once back on the correct route, the walker was confident to continue independently and made their own way back to Wasdale.
Harter Fell – Sat 25th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police received a report from a concerned family member regarding an overdue fell runner who had not returned or confirmed completion of their route. Initial investigation by Wasdale MRT indicated that the runner’s last known location was near Harter Fell and that they were likely heading into Duddon & Furness MRT’s operational area. Control of the incident was handed over to @Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team. Shortly after they deployed, the fell runner was located safe and well.
Pillar – Sat 25th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a male who had taken a fall of approximately 20 feet onto rocks, sustaining a suspected arm injury and a possible head injury. Due to the seriousness of the report and the remote location on Pillar, both Helimed 58 (Great North Air Ambulance) and Coastguard Rescue 897 (Carlisle) were deployed. Given the terrain, the air assets reached the casualty before ground teams. The injured male was assessed, stabilised, and winched into the aircraft, then, with both helicopters landed in a safe location the casualty was transferred from the coastguard aircraft to air ambulance for…
Eskdale – Sat 25th Apr 2026
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust called MRT for a female who had fallen in the Hows Wood area of Eskdale, sustaining a painful hip and lower‑back injury. Wasdale MRT deployed to the scene, where the casualty was assessed and found to be in significant discomfort. Pain relief was administered, and the casualty was carefully packaged and stretchered down the hill to a waiting ambulance for onward transport to hospital. We wish her full and fast recovery.