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
Sty Head – Thu 11th Apr 2024
In the second call of the evening, a party of 4 walkers required help at Sty Head stretcher box. One of the walkers had an ankle injury, and due to the very poor weather they had taken shelter inside. As the team was already tasked, Keswick MRT were asked to assist, who then also requested further support from Cockermouth MRT. Thanks to both teams for their help.
Mickledore, Scafell Pike – Thu 11th Apr 2024
Two calls from Cumbria Police were received on Thursday evening. In both cases the walkers needed help after struggling with navigation in poor weather. Coincidentally the two parties managed to find shelter in the stretcher boxes at Mickeldore and Sty Head, with simultaneous occupancy for a time. In the first callout a party of three walkers called for help at Mickledore when losing their way on the main tourist path from Scafell Pike summit. A limited callout was made and met up with the walkers in very soggy conditions. After some extra clothing and reassurance with a rope down Mickledore…
Netherbeck, Wasdale – Sun 24th Mar 2024
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker with a knee injury in a party of two. They had ascended Pillar, and were last reported to be at Wind Gap. They were considered to be overdue by a friend who also informed us that they intended to come back to Wasdale via Nether Beck. A full callout was made for a potential stretcher carry, with searchdog Jess up front starting from Nether Beck. Happily, she quickly made a find with the walkers a little off the path, walking slowly back to the road. After a quick assessment the…
Sty Head – Sat 23rd Mar 2024
The team was called by Cumbria Police about a walker somewhere on Scafell Pike who was unable to walk to due to cramps in his legs. Due to poor mobile signal, further information was not available for some time. A full callout was made with the possibility of a search and due to conditions, a real risk of hypothermia. Eventually contact was made by the police, with the positive update that visiting ‘off duty’ MRT members from another team had come across the walker and his group and were assisting them towards Sty Head from the Corridor Route. Fortunately, after…
Corridor Route, Scafell Pike – Sun 17th Mar 2024
A brief alert for a walking party that was overdue in poor weather. A family member had reported to Cumbria Police. Fortunately, as the Team Leader was gathering more information, phone contact was made with one of the party. They were on the right path and not far from their destination at Seathwaite. The log was closed once it was confirmed they were off the hill and back at their car.
Pikes Crag, Scafell Pike – Mon 18th Mar 2024
The team assisted with Great North Air Ambulance Service recovering their helicopter that was stranded on callout 28. Thanks as always to the Great North Air Ambulance Service crew for their help on Saturday’s callout…Their post says it all: – Fog… a pilot’s worst nightmare! When flying and landing in Cumbria’s mountainous landscape, conditions can change in the blink of an eye, especially at high altitudes. Our pilots constantly monitor the weather conditions to ensure the safety of our team, but on Saturday, while attending a call-out on Scafell Pike, a dense cloud of fog surrounded our aircraft without warning.…