The parents of one of two climbers who died on Ben Nevis on St Valentine’s Day last year have made an emotional return to the mountain.
Rachel Slater, 24, and Tim Newton, 27, were missing for five weeks before their bodies were found on Britain’s highest peak by members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.
Now Nigel and Rosemary Slater have made the journey from their home in Canada to Ben Nevis and walked to the spot where their daughter and Mr Newton were killed.
A spokesman for Lochaber Mountain Rescue, who had searched tirelessly for the couple, said: “During the week we had a visit from Rosie and Nigel Slater all way from Canada. Unfortunately, Rosie’s mother passed away the previous Friday.
“It was nice to see them again albeit in such sad circumstances. They managed a walk up to Observatory Gully to where their daughter Rachel was killed with her boyfriend Tim last winter. We pass on our condolences to Rosie.”
Mrs Slater later posted on Facebook: “It was well worth the journey from Canada to see you guys.”
Miss Slater, who lived near Bradford, and Mr Newton, originally from Leicester, were experienced climbers, but were caught in a huge avalanche on Ben Nevis.
The couple’s bodies were later buried side by side in Glen Nevis at the foot of the slopes of Britain’s highest mountain.
The Lochaber rescue team also had a visit and donation last week from the family of hillwalker Ian Bell, 60, who was found dead two years ago after he went missing during a solo hike.
Team members were joined by the RAF and coastguard in the Carn Mor Dearg Arete area, where Mr Bell’s body was found.