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 Pike – Sat 18th Oct 2025
The Team Leader was called by Cumbria Police. The informant had reported that their friends had descended the wrong side of Scafell Pike and ended up at Wast Water. After investigating, it was established that all members of the party were safe and well and the only problem was logistics, so the team was stood down and the log closed.
Kirkfell Nose, Kirkfell – Thu 16th Oct 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the team regarding a walker who was struggling with the terrain on Kirk Fell Nose and had become panicked. The Team Leader was able to make contact by phone, provided reassurance, and successfully talked her through walking back down independently. A good outcome and no MRT deployment required.
Great Gable – Thu 2nd Oct 2025
A brief alert from Cumbria Police when a walker at Green Gable reported that his walking partner was overdue returning from a planned detour up to Great Gable. He was concerned for his safety. After brief contact and clarification, it was confirmed that his friend had been back in touch and that no assistance was required.
Gavel Neese, Great Gable – Thu 2nd Oct 2025
Cumbria Police contacted the Team Leader regarding a group of four walkers lost while descending from Scafell Pike. The Team Leader investigated and determined via that they were close to Gavel Neese. She provided guidance, and the group successfully navigated back to their vehicle just after 4am, after which the log was closed.
Brown Tongue, Scafell Pike – Tue 30th Sep 2025
The team was called on Tuesday evening by North West Ambulance Service regarding a male walker who was unable to continue his descent from Scafell Pike due to exhaustion and cramp, and possibly also taken some minor falls. The initial location was close to the summit with significant wind chill. His friend had descended to find help. A full team callout was made but with the now lone and inexperienced walker possibly on the move in misty conditions there was a risk of a wrong turn. However, he was found by ascending team members on the main tourist path on…
Scafell – Sat 27th Sep 2025
The team was called last Saturday about a walker who had taken a long tumble fall on steep and dangerous ground whilst trying to scramble towards Lords Rake. He was reported to have multiple injuries and in significant pain. A full team callout was initiated and Helimed 08 self-tasked to see if they could help. However, they were unable to access the walker safely. As the exact location became clearer a Coastguard helicopter with winching capability was requested and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon was dispatched. With numbers a little low due to many team members unavailable at an annual team…