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 Beck – Mon 20th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received an call, but the call cut out before full details could be obtained. A location fix was captured from the phone, placing the caller below the stream crossing near Lingmell Beck. The MRT Team Leader attempted to make contact, but poor signal or lack of engagement meant no further information could be gathered. A second location update placed the caller approaching Brackenclose, close to the car park. With the caller now believed to be safely off the hill, the team was stood down shortly before a limited response was due to depart.
Scafell Pike – Sat 18th Jul 2026
Summary Cumbria Police received a call from a member of the public regarding an exhausted and significantly dehydrated male, approximately 200 metres below the summit of Scafell Pike. He was unable to continue, showing clear signs of fatigue, dehydration, and reduced ability to make safe progress. The MRT Team Leader made contact and gathered further details. The group who had come across the walker provided food and water, which made a noticeable difference — dehydration was a major factor in his condition, and the simple act of rehydrating allowed him to recover enough to move again.A limited team was called…
Ill Crag – Sat 18th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a member of the public who had come across a male with both leg and head injuries near Ill Crag. MRT deployed, and due to the reported head injury, Coastguard Rescue 897 was also requested. As MRT were still making their way in on foot, Rescue 897 arrived first on scene, treated the casualty, and loaded him into the aircraft. He was then flown to Carlisle Airport for onward transport to hospital. MRT were stood down once the casualty was airborne. Many thanks to the member of the public for raising the alarm, and…
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Thu 16th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding an overdue walker from a group of four experienced participants completing the Three Peaks. All four had summited Scafell Pike together, after which three descended via the Tourist Route, while the fourth chose to descend via Mickledore. The group waited at the path split expecting to see their friend, but he did not appear and could not be seen on the approach. The MRT Team Leader discussed details with the caller and gathered information. A limited team was mobilised to begin responding. As team members were making their way to base, the overdue walker…
Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike – Wed 15th Jul 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about a lone male who had slipped and broken/dislocated his ankle and was unable to continue. The MRT Team Leader made contact, confirmed his location, and deployed MRT alongside Coastguard Rescue 897. Rescue 897 arrived first, managed the casualty, and due to the severity of the injury flew him to Carlisle Hospital for further treatment. MRT members were stood down and returned to vehicles. Many thanks again to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (R897).
Scafell – Tue 14th Jul 2026
As Incident 87 was concluding, Cumbria Police received a call about two exhausted males who were out of water and unable to continue. With the team already fatigued from multiple incidents, the MRT Team Leader requested assistance from Coastguard Rescue 897. Rescue 897 attended and lifted both walkers off the hill, allowing MRT members to avoid another ascent on foot. The pair were flown to the valley floor, discharged, and taken to the Wasdale Head Inn to await a taxi back to their car in Eskdale. Many thanks to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (R897) for dealing with this incident, and…