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
Stand Crag, Great End – Wed 12th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding three lost walkers near Stand Crag. When the MRT Team Leader made contact, the group had managed to find the path, but had no lights, very low phone battery, and one member was experiencing muscle cramps and was unable to descend safely. A small MRT team was deployed to assist. On arrival, the group were warmed up, given food and water, and then walked off towards Styhead, as they had originally come from Seathwaite. During the descent, MRT encountered two additional males who were also lost and heading for Seathwaite. They were pointed onto…
Broad Crag – Mon 10th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a male walker feeling unwell, suffering from sickness, diarrhoea, and exhaustion, and unable to continue. He was accompanied by two friends, and their plan had been to wild camp. Due to the casualty’s condition and location, MRT deployed. With limited team numbers and the position high on Broad Crag, Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue 897 (Carlisle) was requested, along with support from Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team. R897 were first on scene, assessed the casualty, and made the decision to airlift the group down to the valley.They were handed over to MRT at…
Stand Crag, Great End – Sun 9th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a lone male walker who reported being stuck at Stand Crag on the Corridor Route and was uncomfortable moving. The MRT Team Leader attempted to make contact, but calls and messages were not getting through. With a location available from the initial 999 call, the team was deployed. Police then received an update via the iPhone Emergency Satellite Service, stating the walker was lost and stuck. As MRT arrived at the RV point and began kitting up, confirmation came through that the male had self‑rescued back onto the main path. The team stood down…
Wast Water Screes – Sat 8th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from a group of three who had become stuck on the Wastwater Screes and reported being unable to continue. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the group and provided reassurance and guidance, confirming they were close to the end of the difficult section. The group continued while pressing the PhoneFind button, allowing the Team Leader to monitor their progress in real time. Once they had safely cleared the screes and reached easier ground, MRT were stood down.
Great Gable – Sat 8th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call regarding a female who had fallen and injured her ankle, leaving her unable to continue. The group she was with numbered 15 people, but they were unable to assist her down due to the nature of the injury and terrain. The MRT Team Leader investigated and confirmed the location. With low team numbers and the incident site on Great Gable, Wasdale MRT, Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, and Maritime and Coastguard Agency Rescue 897 (Carlisle) were requested. R897 were first on scene, assessed the casualty, and managed the situation. She was loaded onto the…
Scafell Pike Summit, Scafell Pike – Thu 6th Aug 2026
Cumbria Police received a call from two members of the public who had come across a cold male and his friends near the summit of Scafell Pike. The MRT Team Leader made contact with the group, who had already begun warming him up, providing food and water, and encouraging him to start descending. A small MRT team was deployed to assist. MRT met the group on the upper Tourist Path and continued to walk the casualty off the hill, monitoring his condition and ensuring he remained warm and stable throughout the descent.