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
Miterdale – Sat 23rd May 2026
Cumbria Police requested assistance in searching for a missing person in Eskdale. Wasdale MRT deployed alongside neighbouring Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, LDMRSDA search dogs, and drones to cover allocated areas within the valley. One of the LDMRSDA search dogs located the missing person in his tent. The police then took care of him, and all MRT resources were stood down.
Ullswater – Sun 17th May 2026
Patterdale MRT were conducting a search for a high‑risk missing person and requested additional support via the LDSAMRA Silver coordination group. Wasdale MRT deployed a vehicle with five team members to assist by searching areas within their allocated patch. The team completed their tasked areas and stood down later that evening.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Fri 15th May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a couple and their dog who were requesting assistance at the bad step on the Corridor Route. The Team Leader established phone contact and, after some reassurance and guidance, encouraged them to move safely up the bad step. Once past the obstacle, they were able to continue their walk back to their car without further assistance. No team members were deployed.
Brantrake, Eskdale – Thu 14th May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT after a team member, who was out with a group, reported that one of the party had slipped and injured his ankle. Although the casualty was only around 100 metres from the road, assistance was required to help him safely descend. A limited team response was deployed, following a short stretcher carry down to the roadside the casualty was placed into a friend’s car for onward travel to receive medical assessment. The team then returned to base to reset for the next incident.
Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike – Mon 11th May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a female who had fallen on the path between Lingmell Col and the summit of Scafell Pike, with a suspected broken ankle. The first vehicle was deployed, and Helimed 58 (Great North Air Ambulance) was requested to attend. Due to terrain, H58 was unable to land directly at the scene and instead landed nearby before walking up to the casualty. H58 uplifted team members to assist with the carry to the aircraft, after which the casualty was flown to hospital for further treatment. Many thanks to the Great North Air Ambulance for their support.
Wind Gap, Pillar – Sun 10th May 2026
Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale MRT regarding a male who had fallen and sustained an ankle injury. The call was made via the iPhone Emergency SOS system, providing accurate information and a location placing the pair below Wind Gap on Pillar. Team members were deployed to the area, and due to the remote location the Team Leader requested Coastguard assistance. Rescue 199 (Prestwick) attended and winched the casualty from the scene for onward transport. The casualty’s partner was walked off the hill by team members and returned safely to her vehicle. Congratulations were also offered to the partner for completing all…