The missing walkers were found by a search dog and handler. Photo: Keswick MRT

Four rescue teams and two search dogs and handlers joined a major operation to find two walkers reported missing on England’s highest mountain.

The pair failed to return from an ascent of Scafell Pike on Tuesday, prompting a search lasting almost eight hours.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team members were among the volunteers who took to the fells to try to find the missing walkers.

A team spokesperson said: “A party of six split near Scafell Pike summit as two members didn’t want to return over rough ground via the Corridor Route.

“When the two did not turn up at their car at Seathwaite, the other party members rang 999.

“Wasdale as the primary contact team asked for help from neighbouring teams, considering the many possible descent routes. Fortunately the night was clear and not windy.”

Members of the Wasdale, Langdale Ambleside, Duddon and Furness and the Keswick teams were called out.

The spokesperson said: “Keswick team members searched all possible paths from Borrowdale up around Sty Head, Grains Gill, Great End, Esk Hause, Calf Cove and Langstrath in now wet and increasingly cold conditions.

“In late morning the casualties were found by search dog Fern and dog handler Dave, cold but well, on the path on the Eskdale side of Esk Hause.

“The two were walked out with assistance.”

The incident lasted 7¾ hours.