A lone walker died while walking up Scafell, prompting a near eight-hour recovery mission by mountain rescuers.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue team reported today (July 6) that they were called by Cumbria Constabulary to a lone walker reported to be dead by another passing walker.

The report came in at 3:36pm July 2, resulting in a seven-hour and 55-minute-long recovery mission involving the efforts of 26 mountain rescue team members.

A spokesperson from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team said: “Support from the coastguard helicopter R199 was requested and they were able to give lifts to multiple team members and equipment as far as the cloud base would allow.

“The team then continued on foot to the reported location (Foxes Tarn Gully, Scafell) and with the utmost care and respect recovered the walker to an accessible location to enable another helicopter lift off the fell.

“Our thanks to the R199 crew for their valued support.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to the walker’s family and friends.”