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
Hollowstones, Scafell Pike – Sat 23rd Aug 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding a walker struggling with his descent on Scafell Pike. However, others in his group were able to provide food, water, and encouragement and it was declared that support from the team was no longer required.
Eskdale – Thu 21st Aug 2025
With incident No.109 in progress, a further call was received, this time from North West Ambulance Service via the iPhone satellite emergency centre. Two walkers were lost in Upper Eskdale. The Team Leader investigated and traced their last known location. The initial search yielded no result, but they were found safe and well at a nearby hostelry having managed to descend safely on their own. With a good outcome confirmed the team stood down and returned to base.
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Thu 21st Aug 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding a lone walker who was lost and concerned for her safety on steep ground close to the Corridor Route. The team was deployed to locate and assist. The walker was found in the location expected, checked over and then safely escorted down to Wasdale Head.
Scafell – Tue 19th Aug 2025
The Team Leader was called by Cumbria Police yesterday regarding two walkers who were lost on Scafell in the cloud. He was able to speak directly with them and provided directions to guide them safely off the hill. Happily, no further team deployment was required.
Wast Water Screes – Sat 16th Aug 2025
Cumbria Police requested team assistance after a 30kg dog refused to move on the Wastwater Screes. The Team Leader deployed a boat team and they successfully rescued the dog along with two walkers. All were safely returned to the landing area and continued their walk back to their campsite.
Hardknott Pass – Sat 16th Aug 2025
The informant to Cumbria Police reported hearing whistles in the Hardknott Pass area. The Team Leader investigated but found insufficient information to justify a team deployment. The situation was monitored and closed without further action with agreement from the police. A false alarm with good intent.