A MULTI agency rescue operation was launched after an 'inexperienced' lone walker was lost at a high elevation in Scafell Pike.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team received a call from Cumbria Police about a lone walker who was overdue from a walk up Scafell on September 14.

According to the team, the walker was 'inexperienced and not well-equipped'.

The team reported that friends were concerned for his safety as they had received a call saying he was lost at high elevation and then not returned a few hours later.

The team leader considered the search to be urgent and contacted several other teams as well as dogs due to the 'challenging' weather conditions to enable a lot of ground to be covered as quickly as possible.

READ MORE: Coniston Mountain Rescue team called out for missing walker

"A Coastguard helicopter was also tasked. More organised search planning was initiated should the ‘hasty’ search prove unsuccessful," said a spokesperson for the rescue team.

"Fortunately as the teams were mobilising and being assigned search routes, the good news was received that the walker had made his own way to a pub in Eskdale and was safe and well.

"Our thanks go to all teams for their support. A good outcome. We would like to reinforce the significance of the hazards of the high fells in poor conditions as the nights draw in."

The call-out involved a multi-agency response from Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, Lake District Mountain Rescue Searchdogs, Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The rescue started at 6.05pm and took 4 hours and 59 minutes to be completed.

This was Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team's 130th rescue of the day.

Mountain rescuers have been promoting #BeAdventureSmart since 2019 to reduce the increasing workload on Cumbria’s 12 volunteer search and rescue teams.

The Adventure Smart campaign involves asking yourself three questions before going on an outdoor activity on the water or in the mountains: Do I have the necessary skills for the day? Have I checked the weather forecast? Do I have the right equipment?