A hillwalker survived for a week in the great outdoors after getting lost during a trek for a “free pint” at the UK’s “most remote pub”.
Paul Conway, 67, had travelled from the Newcastle area to the Scottish Highlands on Tuesday 10 September.
Mr Conway had intended to walk between Glenfinnan and Inverie in Knoydart – a remote peninsula in the Lochaber area which is often referred to as Scotland’s “last great wilderness”.
Mr Conway – who served with the British Army’s 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment for 11 years before joining Northumbria Police for three decades – planned to enjoy a “free pint” at The Old Forge.
The Inverie pub is famed for being the UK mainland’s “remotest pub” – where you’re offered a free drink if you can walk there.
Despite signing a few bothy books – visitor books left in free sleeping areas called bothies – on his way, Mr Conway failed to arrive on Friday 13 September and was reported missing by his family thereafter.
A major search operation was launched with support from Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Team, Search and Rescue Dog Association, HM Coastguard, and Police Scotland Mountain Rescue Team.
Mr Conway was eventually traced “safe and well” on Tuesday 17 September in a remote area south of Loch Morar having become lost while en route.
Police Scotland said he was taken to hospital as a precaution “given the extensive time spent outdoors” but was otherwise uninjured.
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Mr Conway’s son Chris, who had earlier told of his dad’s plan for a “free pint” in a public appeal, thanked all those involved in the rescue operation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, he said: “I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in searches for our father over the past few days.
“He is in good health and good spirits after this experience, and again I would like to thank everyone who has helped find him and bring him to safety.”
Inspector Ross McCartney said the force was “grateful to everyone involved in the search”.
He added: “We are delighted that Paul has been found and reunited safe and well with his family.
“This was a challenging and protracted search involving a number of partner agencies and specialist police resources.”