The lost walkers were brought down to Crina Bottom. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Four walkers attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks had to call for help after getting lost in the dark.

The four men, aged between 18 and 26, reported themselves benighted at the summit shelter on Ingleborough on Friday.

The Cave Rescue Organisation was called out shortly before 5.30pm to aid the walkers who were unharmed but unable to find their way off the fell.

A team spokesperson said: “One member ran up on to the hill from Newby Cote, while others set off, by team Land Rover, to go to Crina Bottom with the intention of walking up and meeting the one team member and the lost party.

“Both parties arrived at Crina Bottom at the same time from where the group were ferried down to the roadhead to be reunited with family and friends.”

The sun currently sets at 3.58pm in the Three Peaks area, with less than 7½ hours of daylight through the day. The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 39km (24-mile) route taking in the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, walking between the fells. Challengers typically attempt to complete the course in 12 hours or less.