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
Sty Head – Mon 5th Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received an iPhone SOS message about two males lost descending the Corridor Route, in rough ground around Spout Head Gill. The team leader investigated, and a limited party was sent to locate them and walk them off. As they were in the wrong valley, a taxi was booked to get them back to their car.
Scafell Pike – Sun 4th Oct 2026
Cumbria Police received a call about two walkers on the summit of Scafell Pike, struggling to find the path due to zero visibility. The team leader managed to get them back on the path, but with darkness approaching, decided to deploy a small team to assist them off the hill. The team was shortly stood down, as the walkers had met up with other walkers who were going to assist them down. Many thanks were extended to those walkers, as this saved a team deployment.
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.