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
Great Gable – Sun 12th Jul 2026
While the team were concluding Incident 84, Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a female walker had fallen and twisted her ankle on Great Gable. As Wasdale, Cockermouth, and Duddon & Furness MRT were already on the hill, all three teams were able to deploy immediately to this second incident. Cockermouth MRT were first on scene and carried out the initial assessment. Coastguard Rescue 897 (Carlisle) was requested, and once on scene they landed, treated the casualty, and transported her — along with team members — back to Wasdale Base. Coastguard Rescue 897 also assisted by returning additional personnel…
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Sun 12th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a female walker had fallen on the Corridor Route and was suspected to have fractured her kneecap. The MRT Assistant Team Leader made contact and deployed the team. Cockermouth MRT, who were already training in the area, were requested to assist and were able to respond immediately. Due to a shortage of WMRT members, Duddon & Furness MRT were also asked to support. The casualty later reported tingling in her foot, prompting a request for Coastguard assistance. Coastguard helicopter (Rescue 199) was diverted to another incident, so Helimed 58 was deployed instead. H58…
Straight Gill, Lingmell – Fri 10th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from four walkers who were stuck and reported lost near Lingmell Crag. The MRT Team Leader spoke with the group, who confirmed their intention had been to climb Scafell Pike. One member of the party was described as tired, and another had been experiencing sickness and signs of dehydration, making further progress difficult. A limited team was deployed to assist. During the response, the group managed to make some progress off the hill. MRT met them on their descent, provided food, water, and support, and accompanied them safely back to their vehicle.
Great Gable – Wed 8th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a daughter who had taken a different path while descending Great Gable and was unable to locate her father. The MRT Team Leader spoke with her and, based on the information provided, suspected that the father was likely on Cockermouth MRT’s patch. After confirming details — including the location of the parked car at Honister Pass — the Team Leader contacted Cockermouth’s Deputy Team Leader. Both teams agreed that the incident should be handed over to Cockermouth Mountain Rescue as it was most likely in there area. While she was walking back to the…
Scafell Pike – Tue 7th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a group reporting two overdue members, last seen at the summit of Scafell Pike. Attempts to contact the missing pair were unsuccessful due to lack of phone signal. The iPhone Emergency SOS centre later made contact and provided a location for the two walkers in the Upper Esk. They also reported that they had met three other members of the public who were already helping them off the hill. The three members of the public escorted the pair safely down and dropped them at the Woolpack Inn, where they were able to organise onward…
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.