The search was mounted for the men missing between Ingleborough and Horton in Ribblesdale

A night-time search for two lost challenge walkers ended when they turned up at the rescuers’ headquarters after taking refuge on a pub bench.

The men, aged 21 and 22, were tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks when they got lost on the descent of Ingleborough.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out about 2.15am today when the pair were reported missing between the hill’s summit and Horton in Ribblesdale. They had not made contact with friends since shortly before midnight.

A rescue team spokesperson said: “A search of likely areas and descent routes was called off after three hours when the missing walkers turned up at the CRO base in Clapham, having come off the hill the wrong way and taken shelter on a bench at the back of the local pub.”

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge involves summiting Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and walking between them on the 39km (24-mile) route.

The Cave Rescue Organisation’s volunteers provide a rescue service both in the caves and on the fells of the western Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.