A duo of hikers lost their way for several hours after parting ways with their group near the Scafell Pike peak.

Initially, the two were part of a six-person group but chose to take an alternative route to avoid the rugged terrain of the Corridor Route. After failing to reach their vehicle at Seathwaite, their concerned group members dialled the emergency number.

The Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was among several dispatched to the location, starting around 4:50 PM the previous day (May 10). Following an extensive eight-hour search, the missing hikers were located by search dogs Fern and Dave.

Both hikers were found ‘chilled but in good health’ on the trail on the Eskdale side of Esk Hause. They were escorted back to safety with help.

A representative for the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team reported: “A group of six separated near the summit of Scafell Pike because two members opted not to traverse the challenging terrain of the Corridor Route. Upon their absence at their vehicle at Seathwaite, the remaining group members called the emergency services.

“Wasdale, being the main contact team, requested assistance from neighboring teams, taking into account the numerous potential descent paths. Thankfully, the night was calm and clear. Teams from Wasdale, Duddon, Keswick, and Langdale Ambleside were deployed, along with two search dogs.

“Members of the Keswick team examined all possible trails from Borrowdale, circling Sty Head, Grains Gill, Great End, Esk Hause, Calf Cove, and Langstrath, under increasingly cold and wet conditions.

“By late morning, the lost hikers were discovered by search dogs Fern and Dave, feeling cold but otherwise healthy, on the trail on the Eskdale side of Esk Hause. The duo was assisted back to safety.”