`Search dog Isla and her handler found the lost walkers. Photo: Keswick MRT

Two walkers were found in the early hours of Sunday by a search dog after getting lost on England’s highest mountain.

The men, aged 19 and 21, journeyed to the Lake District on Saturday to make the ascent of Scafell Pike.

They were reported overdue by a family member when they failed to return and Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team began the operation to find them.

The pair’s car was found at Seathwaite in Borrowdale, and Keswick MRT was asked to join the search.

A Keswick team spokesperson said: “The two were relatively inexperienced, and it was unclear as to what they had in the way of equipment.

“Keswick team were requested to search their side of the hill, with the assistance of two dogs from the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs Association. A Coastguard helicopter from Prestwick was also tasked to the search.

“The two were found in the early hours of Sunday by Keswick Search Dog Isla with her handler, near to Skew Gill. They were cold and lost, but uninjured. They were airlifted down to Seathwaite so they could pick up their vehicle.

“Hillgoers should be aware that full winter conditions apply on the hill, with some patches of deep snow, and should plan accordingly, allowing plenty of daylight for their activities.”