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
Styhead Path, Great Gable – Tue 30th Jun 2026
An initial call came via NWAS from a male walker reporting he was lost, but the call dropped out and attempts to reconnect were unsuccessful. A second call then came through via Cumbria Police and the iPhone Emergency SOS system, which provided a location. The misper stopped responding to further messages, but had stated he was starting to feel unwell. MRT deployed, and shortly after departing the vehicle, team members located the walker. Two wild campers had come across him and kindly offered to help guide him down. MRT accompanied him back to his vehicle, while the campers continued with…
Wast Water Screes – Mon 29th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a couple walking the Wastwater Screes with their two Bernese Mountain Dogs — Hugo and Elsie — who had reached a section of the boulder field where the dogs decided it was time to paws and reflect, firmly concluding they were not going any fur‑ther. With the team already at base due to an ongoing incident (WA.72.26), six MRT members who were not required on that job were able to respond straight away. The Wasdale Boat was deployed and made its way across the lake to retrieve the stranded couple and their two very…
Foxes Tarn, Scafell – Mon 29th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call reporting that a male walker had fallen and dislocated his shoulder in Foxes Tarn Gully. His friend made the emergency call, and two passing climbers stopped to assist, helping keep the casualty warm while MRT made their way to the scene. Due to the remote location and the time required to reach it, Coastguard Rescue 897 and Duddon & Furness MRT were requested to assist. Rescue 897 attempted to reach the casualty directly but was unable to access the site due to low cloud, instead uplifting MRT personnel as close as conditions allowed. Once on…
Scoat Fell – Fri 26th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a couple who had become disoriented in mist while descending from Scoat Fell. Unsure of their exact location, they phoned for assistance. Once their position was established, the walkers were able to navigate themselves off the hill using the information provided. The MRT Team Leader monitored their progress remotely until they were safely down.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Thu 25th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from two male walkers, one of whom was struggling to continue due to exhaustion. The rest of their group had already returned to their accommodation. The pair had set off at 15:00 hrs to watch the sunset on Scafell Pike but had underestimated the route, the time required, and their food and water needs. With low initial team numbers, three MRT members walked up to the pair, provided food and water, and attempted a supported walk-off. After around 20 minutes, the exhausted male’s condition began to deteriorate, prompting the Team Leader to request additional team…
Broad Crag – Fri 19th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a party of six walkers reporting themselves lost. The initial 999 call placed them on the Broad Crag footpath, but the call then dropped and further attempts to reconnect were unsuccessful. The MRT Team Leader sent PhoneFind links, messages, and attempted repeated calls, but nothing was getting through. A very brief call was eventually made, during which the group stated they were now on the Corridor Route and had parked at Seathwaite. With no further contact and the group appearing to be moving and not requesting additional assistance, the situation became difficult to assess…