"Many Photos" - Two walkers fall to their deaths on Scottish mountain Ben Hope

Two walkers have died after falling 1000ft from a mountain in the Highlands.

Concerns were raised for two men in difficulty on Ben Hope in Sutherland on Tuesday and a search operation was launched. 

A coastguard helicopter crew discovered the bodies on the north-west side of the mountain shortly after 2am this morning.  

The men's bodies were recovered by volunteers from the Assynt team and the Coastguard helicopter this afternoon.

They are at least the sixth deaths on Scotland's mountains this year - all but one of them walking or climbing accidents.

The pair were on 3041ft high Ben Hope, pictured, about six miles south west of Tongue

No contact had been made with the pair after their initial call for help around 3.30pm when there was outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow in the area. At least one of the men fell around 1000 ft.  

The injured pair were on 3041ft high Ben Hope, about six miles south west of Tongue, when the alarm was raised at 3.46pm.

The Stornoway-based search and rescue helicopter was sent to the scene together with Assynt Mountain Rescue Team. 

But the helicopter returned to base at around 7pm - with lightning hampering the operation - and rescuers battling the darkness and driving rain and snow.

Police Scotland today confirmed that two men died.

Inspector Kevin Macleod thanked the mountain rescue volunteers working 'in extremely challenging conditions'.

He said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of both of these men at this tragic time.

'I would also like to pass on our gratitude to the volunteers of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team for their efforts in extremely challenging conditions.'  

A spokeswoman for the Maritime Coastguard Agency said the initial reports were that at least one of the hikers had fallen between 200 to 300 metres (656ft to 984ft) and that they had raised the alarm by mobile phone. At least one of them had suffered back injuries.

During the afternoon yesterday there was outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow in the Ben Hope area which turned more persistent later in the day, according to the Met Office.  There was also winds of up to around 40 miles per hour.

Conditions were dry in the area at the start of the day. 

Ben Hope is the most northerly of the Munros - Scottish mountains over 3000 ft - and its fine isolated peak is a magnificent viewpoint and a magnet for hikers, especially in summer.

Among those to have tackled it in recent years is TV comedian Ed Byrne who  linked up with Scottish Mountain Rescue to pass on life saving tips about being prepared for Scotland's mountains in winter.

There have been six fatal falls from Scottish mountains already this year. Pictured: Ben Hope

In winter Ben Hope can be particularly treacherous. 

There have been at least six deaths this winter on Scotland's peaks. Ten people died in Scotland's hills in the first three months of last year.

A woman climber died after falling from Ben Nevis on New Year's Day. The 21-year-old from Germany was a student, who was studying at the University of Bristol. 

She climbing with three others on Ben Nevis when she plunged 500ft (152 metres) from the Carn Dearg Buttress. The woman and her friends had been climbing what is known as the 'ledge route.'

It was the second recent death of a student on Britain's highest peak - Patrick Boothroyd, 21, from West Yorkshire, died in a fall on December 16.

Cardiff University students Patrick Boothroyd and Leo Grabowski were scaling Tower Gully when a ledge of snow collapsed, causing them to fall 1,500ft.

Mr Boothroyd suffered a serious head injury while Mr Grabowski survived the fall with only broken bones.

Despite being dazed and disoriented, the 28-year-old immediately rang 999 and did his best to help his friend.

He covered him with a survival bag and huddled next to him, shielding him from the snow and wind. They were rescued after an hour but Mr Boothroyd could not be saved.

What were the deaths in Scottish mountains this winter?

 November 25 

A man fell to his death while climbing 3,143ft Buachaille Etive Beag - between Glen Coe and Glen Etive.

November 30, 2018

Rebekah Caroline Pettifer, 52, died in a hillwalking incident in Buachaille Etive Beag in Glen Coe. Her body was recovered from an area close to a path leading towards Buachaille Etive Beag. Her 23-year-old daughter - who has not been named - was seriously hurt.

December 16, 2018

Patrick Boothroyd, 21, from West Yorkshire, died in a fall on Ben Nevis.  He fell 1,500ft down Britain's biggest mountain with his friend Leo Grabowski, who miraculously survived the fall. They fell when an overhanging ledge of ice and snow is believed to have collapsed on top of them.

January 1, 2019 

A female climber, aged 22 after a 500ft 'horrific' fall down Ben Nevis on New Year's Day.

The Bristol University Student was on the Ridge Route between the summit of neighbouring Carn Dearg and Ben Nevis on a climb with three others.

When she reached 3300ft up she slipped on ice and fell down the mountain to her death

January 6

Two walkers died after falling 1000ft from a mountain in the Highlands.

Concerns were raised for two men in difficulty on Ben Hope in Sutherland on Tuesday and a search operation was launched.

A coastguard helicopter crew discovered the bodies on the north-west side of the mountain shortly.  

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News Photo Two walkers fall to their deaths on Scottish mountain Ben Hope  
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