Two walkers guided to safety after getting lost in Eskdale

Two people who became lost in Eskdale, in the Lake District, were guided back to safety by Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team after getting in touch with Cumbria Police.

Cumbria Police contacted Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team after receiving a report of two people lost in Eskdale. The team leader used a phone-tracing service to find their position, which showed them close to a road.

The pair had a map and compass with them, so the team gave them a grid reference to get back onto the path. The team said in a post on its website that they "kept using the location link as they went and got themselves down safe and well."

One team member was involved in the response. The team was stood down once the pair reached their accommodation.

The team

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team covers the western fells of the Lake District, including Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, and has done so for more than 50 years, according to its website. It responds to more than 100 calls for help each year and is made up of around 40 volunteers.

In 2025 it recorded 154 call-outs, according to the Mountain Rescue England and Wales annual review. (Mountain Rescue England and Wales, Wasdale MRT)

Staying safe

Mountain Rescue England and Wales advises anyone in difficulty in the hills to dial 999 or 112 and ask for the police, then mountain rescue. It recommends fully charging a phone before setting out, keeping calls short to save battery, and registering with emergencySMS in case of poor signal. (mountain.rescue.org.uk)

Earlier call-outs in Lake District & Cumbria

• Person freed after becoming trapped under boulder on Scafell Pike

• Walker airlifted from Helvellyn after being caught by darkness

• Two walkers escorted off hill after losing way near Crooked Clough

Read Wasdale MRT’s original post on its website.

Sources

1. Eskdale: Wed 21st Oct 2026 Wasdale MRT
2. MREW Annual Review 2026, incident figures January to December 2025 Mountain Rescue England and Wales
3. Wasdale MRT website Wasdale MRT
4. In an emergency in the hills, dial 999 or 112, ask for the police, then mountain rescue. mountain.rescue.org.uk
5. If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can register to contact 999 by text by sending the word register to 999 and following the instructions sent. mountain.rescue.org.uk