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 – Thu 26th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported four males who had climbed Scafell Pike but were unable to re‑cross the stream on their descent due to high water levels. The MRT Team Leader attempted to guide them to a safer crossing point higher upstream, but this was unsuccessful. A team was deployed, assisted all four across the swollen beck, provided warmth and reassurance, and walked them safely back down to their vehicles.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Sun 22nd Feb 2026
A concerned parent contacted Cumbria Police reporting that their 21‑year‑old son had fallen into a river, struck his head, and was unable to get out. The MRT Team Leader was unable to make direct contact with the casualty to confirm his location, other than that he had been on Scafell Pike earlier in the day. A full team response was initiated to search for him. The male was located low down at Lingmell Gill, where he was assessed, warmed, and walked off the hill before being taken to his vehicle. Many thanks to @keswickmrt for assisting with this search.
Spouthead Gill – Sun 22nd Feb 2026
Multiple calls were received from Cumbria Police and via the Apple Emergency SOS system regarding a person lost on the hill. The MRT Team Leader was unable to make direct contact, although the individual was intermittently able to dial 999 with very poor signal. After considerable confusion, it became clear that there were actually three people lost, with one reported to have ankle issues. An advance party was deployed but was unable to locate the group from the Wasdale side. Before further action was required, Police confirmed that all three had made it safely off the hill without the need…
Slight Side, Scafell – Sat 21st Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported two lost walkers who were wet, cold, and at a height where the temperature and wind chill were significantly lower. The MRT Team Leader made contact and encouraged them to keep moving as visibility deteriorated into the evening. A limited team was deployed and located both walkers low down, where they were warmed up and walked back to team vehicles. They were then taken to a local pub to arrange a taxi back to their car in Wasdale. A big thank you to SIMS Travel for their assistance. #simstravel
Angle Tarn – Thu 19th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police received a dropped call from two individuals stating they were lost, but no location details or call back number were provided. With only limited information available, the MRT Team Leader investigated and identified Angle Tarn as the most likely location, which falls within Langdale Ambleside MRT’s operational area. After discussion with Langdale, the incident was handed over to them.
Scafell – Tue 17th Feb 2026
Cumbria Police reported four male young walkers who were lost and stuck on icy ground on Scafell, they were meant to be on Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the group and was able to talk them safely back down to their vehicle without requiring a team deployment onto the hill.