The pair were found near the head of upper Eskdale. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Two walkers were found after getting lost and spending a cold night on the fells after summiting England’s highest mountain.

The pair were reported missing by their families about 11.30pm on Saturday when they failed to return from a walk on Scafell Pike.

After trying to gain information on the pair, who had set off from Wasdale Head, mountain rescuers were called out shortly before 1.20am on Sunday.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team requested the help of colleagues from the Duddon and Furness team and rescuers began searching paths on each side of the mountain, which was cloaked in low cloud.

The Duddon and Furness team search upper Eskdale, with parties searching Cam Spout and Little Narrowcove. The two walkers were found close to Calfcove Gill, south of Esk Hause, shortly after 6am.

They were given warm clothing, food and drink and then accompanied by rescue team members in a long walk to Eskdale to arrive safe and well in the valley. The incident ended about 9am.

The rescue involved seven members of the Wasdale team and six from Duddon and Furness MRT.