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
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.
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…