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
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Sat 17th May 2025
The team was called three times on Saturday afternoon. In the first, a walker was reported to be unable to weight bear with a leg injury, having fallen three times. Once on scene, an assessment was made, with the situation having improved somewhat. Severe cramping in both legs was becoming less frequent after rehydration and some food. After further rest, the walker was able to make progress by himself and, accompanied by team members, he made it safely back down to Brackenclose. A good outcome, and hopefully the walker recovered quickly.
Broad Crag Col, Scafell Pike – Fri 16th May 2025
A very busy weekend kicked off on Friday evening when a call was taken about a walker who had injured his ankle and could not weight bear. The location was confirmed to be high up on Broad Crag Col. With this location being very challenging for a stretcher carry, Coastguard helicopter assistance was requested. With slightly low numbers, Duddon and Furness MRT was also asked to help. On arrival to the scene, gusty conditions prevented a direct winch into the helicopter, thus requiring hard graft to stretcher to a suitable location. Some team members were thankful for a lift up…
Black Sail – Wed 7th May 2025
As incident 44 was ongoing on Broad Stand, a further call was received from Cumbria Police. A walker had fallen and injured his ankle. The location was near Looking Stead, and on confirming an accurate location, it was established that it was in Cockermouth MRT’s area. A quick handover was made and they successfully completed the rescue with assistance from a Coastguard helicopter.
Broad Stand, Scafell – Wed 7th May 2025
A call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker reporting himself stuck on a crag between Sca Fell and Scafell Pike. Having established this was likely to be on Broad Stand a full callout was made. A long walk up to the summit of Sca Fell was made and then the team descended to the walker in good conditions. After a routine rescue and lower to Mickledore, the crag was de-rigged and all returned to base to check equipment and reset the vehicles.
Wastwater Screes – Sun 4th May 2025
The team was notified by Cumbria Police when a caller reported that a head torch had not moved for some time on the Screes. They were concerned for the person’s safety. The Team Leader asked a team member who lived in the valley to investigate. Happily by the time they arrived at the lakeside the light had started to move. They were able to meet up with the walker and confirm that all was well. A false alarm with good intent and a happy outcome.
Lingmell Gill Path, Scafell Pike – Sat 3rd May 2025
The team was called when a lone walker had fainted and was then having difficulty breathing and shivering. A very kind passer-by had stopped to help and called it in. Once the team was on scene an assessment was made. She was transferred to the team stretcher and then a routine carry was made to Brackenclose. After further assessment by an awaiting ambulance crew the walker was able to be discharged. We hope the walker has recovered well and would like to recognise the walker who gave up her 3 peaks challenge to provide help to someone in need.