AN “extensive search” has been launched for a hillwalker who went missing after setting off to climb a series of Munros.
Police said that Ruth Betts, aged 64, left her hotel in Fort William on Wednesday, July 24 to walk in the Mamores mountain range, near Kinlochleven.
The Mamores mountains, which are found between Glen Nevis and Glencoe, include 10 Munros – Scottish peaks more than 3000ft in height.
Betts is thought to have been intending to scale three: Na Gruagaichean, Stob Coire a Chairn, and Am Bodach.
Police say their enquiries have concluded that she reached the summit of Na Gruagaichean at around 10.15am on July 24, but has not been spotted since.
A search operation involving mountain rescue, coastguard, and trained dogs has been launched.
Betts is described as around 5ft 3in, of slight build, with short grey hair.
When last seen, she was wearing grey walking trousers, a waterproof jacket, and carrying a green and grey rucksack.
Police say she has failed to return to her hotel and concerns are growing.
Inspector Ross McCartney said: “Ruth intended to walk the Mamores range along Na Gruagaichean, Stob Coire a Chairn, and Am Bodach.
“Our enquiries found she reached the summit of Na Gruagaichean around 10.15am but we don’t know if she continued along that route. She has not returned to her accommodation.
“Ruth is an experienced hillwalker and was equipped for a day in the hills but concerns are growing for her welfare.
“Extensive searches are ongoing with assistance from local mountain rescue, Coastguard and the Search and Rescue Dogs Association. It is important we find Ruth as soon as possible.
“I am appealing to anyone in the area who may have seen Ruth to get in touch. Any piece of information could be vital in helping us to trace her.”
Anyone who can help is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3322 of Wednesday, 24 July, 2024.
