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 – Sat 18th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a male who reported severe leg cramping and was unable to continue on Great Gable. The MRT Team Leader investigated and determined that the location sat on the boundary between three MRT areas. As the casualty’s car was parked at Seathwaite Farm, Keswick MRT were contacted. Following discussion between the Wasdale and Keswick Team Leaders, Keswick MRT agreed to take on the incident. Many thanks to Keswick Mountain Rescue Team
Beck Head, Great Gable – Fri 17th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police received a report from an informant who stated he could hear shouts for help somewhere on Great Gable. The Wasdale MRT Team Leader investigated and, based on the limited information available and the likely location, held a discussion with Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, as the incident appeared to fall within their operational area. The Team Leader later managed to speak directly with the informant, who had already left the area. He reported meeting two lads at Beck Head and was missing a friend, due to low cloud, the decision remained not to deploy. Weather conditions were improving, and…
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Wed 15th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding four males whose tent’s had failed in severe weather conditions. All four were now wet, cold, and unable to get off the hill safely. A full team response was initiated to reach them and bring them to safety. Despite the situation, the group were well‑equipped for wild camping and had appropriate navigation gear, which helped them remain in a known location until MRT arrival. The team assisted the group off the hill and ensured they were safely evacuated from the mountain.
Sty Head – Sat 11th Apr 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a group of four individuals, one of whom had suffered boot failure and was now walking barefoot. Initial attempts by the MRT Team Leader to make contact were unsuccessful due to poor mobile signal. A PhoneFind request was sent, and a location was obtained, placing the group within Keswick MRT’s operational area. After speaking with the Keswick duty Team Leader, the incident was formally transferred to them. Thanks Keswick Mountain Rescue Team
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Thu 9th Apr 2026
North West Ambulance Service contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a group of four people unable to continue their descent from Scafell Pike due to worsening weather conditions. The MRT Team Leader made contact and established that the group was part of a larger party of eleven, with four members — including an 11‑year‑old — unable to descend safely. A full team response was initiated to assist them off the hill. As team members were arriving at base, the group on the fell managed to regroup and continue their descent without further assistance. MRT was subsequently stood down. Be AdventureSmart https://www.adventuresmart.co.uk/ Ask…
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Thu 2nd Apr 2026
As the team were returning to base after the previous incident, NWAS contacted Wasdale MRT regarding two people stuck on the hill, reported as wet, cold, and unable to move. Direct contact with the pair was not possible, but the father of one of the missing persons provided a location placing them above Broad Crag Col. Due to the position and deteriorating conditions, Coastguard Rescue 199 was requested but was forced to turn back as it approached the Lake District from the north due to the poor weather. With further information coming in, Wasdale MRT deployed on foot. The Team…