The walkers were found in the Mickledore stretcher box, between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Two walkers were found sheltering in a mountain rescue stretcher box after prompting a search on England’s highest mountain.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted on Friday when the pair failed to return from an ascent of Scafell Pike.

The Wasdale team also asked for the help of colleagues from Keswick MRT, who were called out at 5.35pm.

A Keswick team spokesperson said: “The only information with a possible clue gave information that the party had passed a wooden mountain rescue box.

“The only local wooden rescue box is located below Dow Crag, Coniston, so that wasn’t likely.”

A Keswick team member and search dog during the operation to find the walkers. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers from the Wasdale team set off in strong winds and driving rain to reach the Keswick team stretcher box at Sty Head before continuing up the Corridor Route.

The Keswick spokesperson said: “Meanwhile Keswick were tasked to search the various footpath descent routes on our side.

“Keswick team were ascending above Seathwaite when a message came through that the missing people had been located sheltering in the Wasdale rescue box at Mickledore. The team was stood down and returned to base.”

Seven Keswick MRT volunteers were involved in the incident for 2½ hours.