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
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.
Scafell Pike – Fri 15th Aug 2025
The team was tasked by Cumbria Police to support them for a search on Scafell Pike. The team was deployed but after some time ascending in very warm conditions the walker was believed to have descended via a different route to Wasdale Head. As such, all parties were stood down and returned to base.
Burnmoor Tarn – Sat 9th Aug 2025
A call was received from Cumbria Police last night about a lone walker who was exhausted and starting to fall around on steep ground, about half way down from Scafell summit. He had been carrying his 35 kg Husky, Prince, since the summit of Slight Side after a long day on the fells. Prince had cut his paws and could not continue. When his owner finally realised that he would not make it down to the valley floor without hurting either himself or Prince, he wisely called for help. The Team Leader called the team out and they made their…
Scafell Pike – Thu 7th Aug 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team after a couple became separated during their walk on Scafell Pike. One had returned to the car, but the other walker could not be found and was unreachable by mobile phone. However, as investigation was ongoing the missing individual returned safe and well. The team was stood down without deployment.