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
Stanley Ghyll, Eskdale – Thu 27th Aug 2026
NWAS requested assistance with a casualty due to his location down an embankment. The team deployed and retrieved the male from where he was stuck. He had injured his arm but was able to walk down to the waiting ambulance.
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Tue 25th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a male reporting that his partner was struggling to descend, feeling dizzy, unwell, and nauseous. Base contacted them and obtained a location on the Brown Tongue path. As team members were already on the hill dealing with Incident 123, they were diverted to assist. The female was assessed, given food and water, and initially walked off at a slow pace. However, she later became unable to continue, and the team stretchered her for the final 500m. She was handed over to the care of her partner and advised to attend hospital for further checks.…
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Tue 25th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a male who had collapsed very close to the summit of Scafell Pike. A member of the public and the casualty’s brother had already begun CPR. Communications were extremely limited due to the location, but the 999 call provided an accurate position. Wasdale MRT, Great North Air Ambulance Service, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue 897 were deployed. Helimed 58 reached the scene early and continued CPR. Rescue 897 positioned itself on the summit to support the operation. Despite prolonged efforts, the casualty sadly passed away. He was brought down to the valley by…
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Mon 24th Aug 2026
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust received a call regarding a male showing symptoms of heat exhaustion and possible sun‑stroke, who had fainted near a stream crossing. A mountain rescue team member from outside the Lakes was already on scene and providing initial assistance. Wasdale MRT deployed to support, but the casualty had managed to walk down to Wasdale Head before the team arrived. The casualty was assessed by RRMTs and subsequently discharged to their own care. Many thanks to the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team member for their assistance
Green How, Scafell – Sun 23rd Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a third party reporting shouts and whistles heard near the Rakehead Screes area. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the caller, who reported seeing a party of 5–6 people descending, with one injured person being assisted by the group.The party made their own way down under their own steam and reached the footpath safely. No MRT deployment required.
Kirkfell – Sun 23rd Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a male who had been struck by falling rocks, resulting in head and hand injuries. The party was large, and while some members were able to make their way out on foot, two others were in precarious positions within the gill and required assistance. Due to the location and the need for crag rescue equipment, Wasdale MRT, Duddon MRT, and Coastguard Rescue 897 were all deployed. Rescue 897 lowered their winchman to the casualty, who was then flown down to MRT for assessment. Meanwhile, two further members of the party were winched from the…