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
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.
Netherbeck, Wasdale – Wed 22nd Apr 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from three people who were lost and unable to locate the path to descend safely. Their initial 999 call placed them above Scoat Tarn. When the Team Leader made contact, the group had moved and were now somewhere between Scoat Tarn and Low Tarn. They were advised to head back uphill to regain the main path. A limited team was deployed after speaking with them to give them confidence of getting off the hill. The missing party were located walking down Netherbeck, tired but otherwise well. They were escorted off the hill without further issues.…
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Tue 21st Apr 2026
Cumbria Police reported via the iPhone Emergency SOS service from a lone female who reported herself lost, cold, and unable to find a safe way down. She had started her walk from Langdale and had become disoriented on the Corridor Route. Contact was established, and MRT deployed and guided her off the hill. She was taken to the Wasdale Head Inn, where arrangements were made for a taxi to return her to Ambleside.
Hardknott Pass – Tue 21st Apr 2026
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) requested assistance for a male who had slipped and fallen near Hardknott Pass, sustaining a lower‑leg injury. Due to access difficulties, NWAS were unable to get a vehicle close enough to the casualty. Wasdale MRT deployed to assist, helping to move the injured male to the ambulance so he could be transported to hospital.