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
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Sat 6th Jun 2026
As the team were settling for the evening, the third callout of the day came from Cumbria Police. A male walker had gone over on his ankle, heard a crack, and was unable to weight‑bear despite attempting to self‑rescue. He was accompanied by his young son, and the pair were carrying a significant amount of wild‑camping equipment, making self‑evacuation impossible. Due to low team numbers, Duddon & Furness MRT were requested to assist, and Coastguard Rescue 912 (Humberside) was also tasked. However, deteriorating weather prevented R912 from reaching the scene. MRT members reached the casualty, provided treatment, and packaged him…
Scafell Pike – Sat 6th Jun 2026
As Incident 61 was concluding, Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a female walker who had become unwell and unable to continue her descent from Scafell Pike. With Rescue 897 (Coastguard) already operating in the area, they offered assistance. Due to low team numbers, Duddon & Furness MRT were also requested. Rescue 897 attempted to reach the casualty but were unable to get on scene due to low cloud, instead uplifting MRT personnel as high as conditions allowed. Team members reached the casualty, provided treatment, and stretchered her down to a point where Rescue 897 could safely land. She was…
Napes, Great Gable – Sat 6th Jun 2026
Cumbria Police received a 999 call from a race marshal reporting that a fell runner had sustained a significant shin injury with heavy bleeding during an organised event. The casualty was also described as feeling faint, prompting an immediate response. Wasdale MRT deployed alongside Coastguard Rescue 897 (Carlisle). Coastguard arrived first on scene and deployed a winch paramedic to assess and treat the runner. After initial treatment, the casualty was able to walk down to meet MRT members ascending the hill. The runner was then transported to Wasdale Head, where he was handed over to the race organisers for further…
Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike – Wed 3rd Jun 2026
This was the third incident of the day. Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding Three male walkers who had reported themselves lost and stuck near the summit of Scafell Pike in thick fog. The MRT Team Leader obtained an initial PhoneFind location showing them just off the summit path. They were instructed to move approximately 50 metres back onto the main path and continue pressing the PhoneFind link. Communication was lost for a period, but once contact was re‑established the pair confirmed they had met another walker who was able to guide them safely back down off the hill. No…
Calf Cove, Great End – Wed 3rd Jun 2026
This afternoon the team were contacted by Cumbria Police after a member of the public came across three walkers who were wet, cold and struggling in the poor weather near Calf Cove. The informant was accompanied by his partner who abandoned their own plans to continue to the summit so they could help. They gave the group all their spare clothing — and even some of the items they were wearing. Their quick thinking and generosity made a huge difference to the group’s condition. The walkers were encouraged to head towards Esk Hause, where there is a cross‑shaped stone shelter…
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Wed 3rd Jun 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding two female walkers who had become lost and split up from there group on Scafell Pike in very poor visibility. The Team Leader initially only had the phone location provided via the 999 call, and attempts to establish further contact were unsuccessful for some time. The walkers later managed to make contact and confirmed they had met other walkers who were able to assist them off the hill. The Team Leader was subsequently informed that both were safely down. No MRT deployment was required.