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
Burnmoor Tarn – Thu 22nd Oct 2026
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) received a call about a male who had injured his upper leg near Burnmoor Tarn. After some time the Team Leader was able to establish the party’s location, and the team deployed. Team members reached the casualty and stretchered him back to the party’s vehicle, where he was handed over for onward transfer in own vehicle to hospital. We wish the male a speedy recovery.
Eskdale – Wed 21st Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about two people who were lost in Eskdale. The Team Leader looked into it and got a PhoneFind location, which showed they were close to the road. They had a map and compass, so they were given their location and a grid reference to get back onto the path. They kept using the location link as they went and got themselves down safe and well. The team was stood down once they were back at their accommodation.
Dropping Crag, Scafell Pike – Sun 18th Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received multiple reports of a person stuck under a rock or boulder and getting cold in the area of the Dropping Crag. Some location data came with these calls, but the Team Leader was unable to speak to the person directly. Because the incident could have been serious, Wasdale MRT, Duddon & Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team and Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter Rescue 899 (Prestwick) were deployed. The specialist team COMRU was also contacted about ways of moving large rocks, and began drawing up a plan in case they were needed. Further reports then came in…
Wast Water Screes – Mon 12th Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about three people stranded on the scree boulder field at Wastwater with no head torches. The team sent a small group out with the Wasdale Boat, they were helped off the Screes and then dropped them off at their accommodation.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Sat 10th Oct 2026
A mother contacted Cumbria Police to report that her son and his friend were missing/overdue on Scafell Pike. Shortly afterwards, the Duty Team Leader spoke directly with the two young men, who confirmed they were safe and well and had just arrived back at their car in Seathwaite. No team members were deployed.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Thu 8th Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a group that had split up on their way down off Scafell Pike. The party was in Keswick’s area of responsibility, so the job was passed over to Keswick MRT.