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 – Wed 2nd Apr 2025
A short alert was quickly resolved after a call from Cumbria Police about a party of three walkers. They had set off at 4pm and were considered overdue and could not be contacted. The exact route was unknown, and they were not equipped to be on the fell at night. However, as the Team Leader was making initial enquiries there was another call confirming that the party had safely returned to their accommodation.
Scafell Pike – Thu 27th Mar 2025
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a lone walker who had reached the summit of Scafell Pike but had become disoriented in the mist. With wind chill high on the tops, conditions were poor. The walker was cold and wet and was unable to navigate down. The Team Leader attempted to make contact but was unable to talk directly to the walker. A further call was also received from another walker who could hear cries for help, but could not locate them. A full call-out was initiated and the team headed down the valley. After some time contact…
Slight Side, Scafell – Tue 25th Mar 2025
The team was called out by Cumbria Police to help a walker who had sustained a knee injury and was struggling to descend back to Wha House. The team was called out but as the walker was able to make slow progress with the assistance of other walkers, a small party was dispatched to assist. Under the watchful eye of the Team Leader with regular PhoneFinds the walker was able to complete a slow descend successfully. The Wasdale MR party met up with the group later in their descent. Our thanks to the injured walker for her determination and to…
Scafell – Mon 24th Mar 2025
The team was called out on Monday afternoon by Cumbria Police about a serious incident involving a fallen climber. Two climbers were ascending a crag on Sca Fell, when the lead climber took a large fall. He was seriously injured, unable to communicate and ended the fall suspended on the rope below the second climber. Fortunately, the second climber was uninjured and still secure on the crag, but urgently needed assistance. The team was very quickly called out and help was requested from a Coastguard helicopter. Helimed 58 also responded quickly. As the team assembled at Brackenclose and prepared the…
Upper Eskdale – Sat 22nd Mar 2025
A short alert when a call was received from Cumbria Police about a walker who was concerned for his safety, having been separated from his walking party and was on ground with loose rock. However, after a few minutes a further call was received that the party had reunited and the walker was back on safe ground. The team was stood down. https://www.adventuresmart.uk/ #BeAdventureSmart and make a good day better. Ask yourself three questions before you set off: 1. Do I have the right GEAR ? 2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? 3. Am I confident…
Crinkle Crags – Sat 15th Mar 2025
A short alert when the Team Leader was notified about an unwell walker. However as further information was obtained it was determined that the location was in Langdale Ambleside MRT’s area and after a handover they successfully completed the rescue.