A small picnic turns into a tragedy, as three fatalities are found near Aonach Eagach Ridge

Three hikers have been found dead in Glencoe, after failing to return from the “narrowest” mountain ridge on mainland Britain.

The hillwalkers were reported missing shortly after 9pm on Saturday, with a Coastguard helicopter assisting Police Scotland, the RAF and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team in searching the Aonach Eagach ridge.

Their bodies were discovered shortly after the rescue mission began in the Scottish Highlands, and police said their deaths do not appear to be suspicious.

The ridge is “probably the trickiest scrambling on any” route listed on WalkHighlands, the website says, describing it as “hard, exposed” terrain linking the Munros of Meall Dearg and Sgòrr nam Fiannaidh, which have summits reaching 952m and 967m above sea level respectively.

The hikers’ identities have not been disclosed by police. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a group of three hillwalkers who had not returned from the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glen Coe shortly after 9.05pm on Saturday 5 August.

“A search was carried out and the bodies of three people were found. HM Coastguard as well as Glencoe and RAF mountain rescue teams assisted with the recovery operation. There do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard assisted Police Scotland following reports of three missing walkers in Glencoe on Saturday 5 August.

Police Scotland, HM Coastguard, the RAF and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team took part in the recovery operation.

Aonach Eagach is said to be one of the narrowest ridges on the British mainland and requires a scrambling ability to cross.

The rocky six-mile stretch includes two Munro summits - Sgorr nam Fiannaidh at 3,175ft high and Meall Dearg at 3,124ft high.

The bodies of a woman and two men were recovered from the ridge, with the Prestwick Coastguard helicopter assisting in operations on Sunday.

The ridge of Aonach Eagach, running along the north edge of Glen Coe, is considered one of the most challenging scrambling routes in Scotland with few opportunities to escape once a traverse has begun. It includes the munros Sgùrr nam Fiannaidh and Meall Dearg.

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Sarah H 

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