Helvellyn can be treacherous in the winter

It is thought the man, from Bolton in Greater Manchester, fell after getting separated from his brother in mist on Striding Edge on Friday night.

More than 50 rescuers and 10 dogs were involved in a search operation on the mountain.

However, the man, who has not yet been named, was found alone, with a lunchbox beside him.

Dave Freeborn, from the Patterdale mountain rescue team, said the search for the man had been intensive.

He said: "The rescuers found some sort of skid marks in the snow, where it appeared he fell.

RAF helicopter

"There was also a debris trail marking the point.

"We found a map and a lunchbox and the man was actually located on the face of the mountain at about 2200 GMT on Friday.

"It was a very difficult place to access."

Rescuers were alerted just after 1800 GMT on Friday, when the man and his brother became separated on Striding Edge.

A search began involving a helicopter from RAF Boulmer.

The man's body was winched from the site and taken to the headquarters of the Patterdale mountain rescue team.

Experts say conditions on the fells are variable, with ice remaining on some parts of Helvellyn.

Walkers are being advised to use crampons.