The daughter of a teacher who died in a 400 feet fall on a Scottish mountain has said he was a “skilled and passionate climber.”
Father-of-four Mark Bowling died when he fell while descending Aonach Beag in Lochaber on Thursday.
The 52-year-old, from Burnley in Lancashire, was with a companion when he fell to his death on the 4,049ft mountain, the seventh highest in the UK.
His daughter Leah said: “My dad was a skilled and passionate climber with many years’ experience.
“The emergency services told us that he had all the correct equipment and was doing everything right but he simply lost his footing and fell.”
In a statement issued by police, Mr Bowling’s family added: “We are all completely heartbroken and in shock over the tragic loss of Mark. He was a loving husband and father who had a great love for the outdoors, mountaineering and photography.
“We are so proud of all he has achieved, we love and will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his wife, four children and his faithful dog.”
Mr Bowling’s friend, who was uninjured in the incident, called emergency services and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called out late in the afternoon. The Inverness Coastguard helicopter also flew to the scene, but the walker had suffered fatal injuries.
Mr Bowling was a teacher at Sir John Thursby Community College in Burnley. The school said in a statement: “Our friend, colleague and a special man in our community, Mr M Bowling, has tragically died.
“We have been liaising with his family and friends to help support them and listen to their wishes.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Bowling’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Rescuers said Mr Bowling fell in a coll between Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag – near Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Donald Paterson, deputy leader of Lochaber MRT, said the walkers were at around 2000 feet when the tragedy happened.
“Where the man fell is not really a place you would descend if you know it – but looks the perfect place on a map,” he said.
“The conditions were horrible under foot. It was icy, a lot of loose scree and slippery slabs.
“There is really no message from this unfortunate incident – it was a simple trip with fatal consequences. It was an honest mistake.”
Lochaber Police said a report is being prepared for the Procurator Fiscal.
