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
Cam Spout, Scafell – Sat 3rd Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about a message from the iPhone Emergency SOS stating a group of people were stranded. Although the weather had since improved, it had earlier been gale force winds, with streams and rivers running very high after torrential rain, meaning the party would have been out for some time in poor conditions. The team leader was unable to make contact, and as there was a location, a small group headed out. Once at the location, no one was there, and the team was stood down. It was possible to speak to the caller the following day…
Sty Head – Tue 29th Sep 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about six lost males. The assistant team leader investigated and found them at the Styhead stretcher box, trying to get to Seathwaite. They were pointed in the right direction, and the assistant team leader then spoke with Keswick MRT and handed the incident over to them, as it was on their patch.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Tue 29th Sep 2026
NWAS received a call from a male who had tripped and injured his ankle. The team deployed, stretchered him off the hill, and handed him over to the care of the ambulance.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Mon 28th Sep 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a female with leg injuries who was unable to descend above the Lingmell Beck crossing. MRT arrived on scene, assessed her, and determined she was unable to continue on foot. The casualty was stretchered off the hill and transported down to Wasdale. She was then sent in her family’s car with advice to attend hospital for further assessment.
Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike – Sat 26th Sep 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about two people lost while descending Scafell Pike. A PhoneFind link was sent and put them on the right path; they had managed to re-locate themselves and could now see the path, so were happy to continue their descent. The team was stood down as not needed.
Lingmell Col, Scafell Pike – Sat 26th Sep 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about a male with leg injuries who was unable to descend without assistance. Due to low numbers from Wasdale and Duddon, Coastguard R897 was requested to assist getting him off the hill. A team member was already on the hill and was quickly on scene, finding the casualty suffering from cramp and struggling to walk. R897 transported him back down to the valley bottom, and he was advised to seek medical advice.